return the favor
idiom
: to do something the same or similar in return for something done
He treats them well, and they return the favor.
Examples of return the favor in a Sentence
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Saturday, when there’s qualifying for the Miami E-Prix in the morning and the race in the afternoon, Da Costa will get to return the favor when showing Terry all that goes on in a Formula E car.
—
David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2026
Because Darnold carries himself that way, his teammates have no choice but to return the favor.
—Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026
The 49ers won 17-13 in Seattle in the season opener only for the Seahawks to return the favor with a 13-3 win in the season finale.
—Dallas Morning News, 12 Jan. 2026
The 49ers won 17-13 in Seattle in the season opener only for the Seahawks to return the favor with a 13-3 win in the season finale.
—CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for return the favor
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David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2026
Because Darnold carries himself that way, his teammates have no choice but to return the favor.
—Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026
The 49ers won 17-13 in Seattle in the season opener only for the Seahawks to return the favor with a 13-3 win in the season finale.
—Dallas Morning News, 12 Jan. 2026
The 49ers won 17-13 in Seattle in the season opener only for the Seahawks to return the favor with a 13-3 win in the season finale.
—CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for return the favor
Cite this Entry
“Return the favor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/return%20the%20favor. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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