owe it to

idiom

: to have a duty to (someone to do something)
We owe it to the veterans to build a memorial.

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Now 34% Off What LOTR is to the United States, the Condor Trilogy is to China, so fantasy fans owe it to themselves to check out the translation. Lizz Schumer, goodhousekeeping.com, 16 May 2023 Leaders owe it to all stakeholders, including workers, to make the best policy decisions. Johnny C. Taylor, CNN, 15 Aug. 2022 But, on the other hand, journalists also owe it to their audiences to deliver them a clear-eyed assessment of the state of affairs. Oliver Darcy, CNN, 13 Mar. 2023 So if that candidate is coaching in the Super Bowl, as Steichen is, the Colts could owe it to themselves and their scars to wait out the process this time. Nate Atkins, The Indianapolis Star, 3 Feb. 2023 Those are the limits you’re entitled to set and owe it to yourself to hold. Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 18 Jan. 2023 The Florida Republican added that Republicans owe it to Santos' constituents to work with the New York representative, despite the controversy surrounding him. Rachel Schilke, Washington Examiner, 15 Jan. 2023 This year, casual party games are extremely popular — owe it to families gathering again after distancing because of the pandemic. Shanon Maglente, Good Housekeeping, 17 Nov. 2022 There are no easy answers, but our political leaders owe it to us to work on these painful uncertainties now. Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'owe it to.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Cite this Entry

“Owe it to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/owe%20it%20to. Accessed 29 May. 2023.

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