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

Recent Examples on the Web

Warriors looks to somewhat return the favor against a Clippers group that’s won nine of their last 10 games. —Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 4 Feb. 2026

This win, Michigan’s first in East Lansing since 2018, puts the pressure on Michigan State to return the favor in Ann Arbor on the final Sunday of the regular season. —Austin Meek, New York Times, 31 Jan. 2026

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

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

Rhymes for return the favor

• aver
• braver
• craver
• favour
• flavor
• flavour
• graver
• paver
• quaver
• raver
• saver
• savor