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
When Russell extended his hand for a shake in the closing moments, Perkins Johnson did not return the favor, instead asking him where his reports were.
—
Charlotte Observer, 5 Sep. 2025
Expect the Rebels to return the favor at home.
—Noah White, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2025
The Little Leaguers did well to return the favor, peppering the major-league game that night with chants for specific players — and not always the ones at bat.
—Tim Britton, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
The plan has ignited a nasty and partisan tug-of-war with Democratic governors in Illinois, New York and California pledging to return the favor and redraw their congressional maps to add more Democratic districts.
—Joey Garrison, USA Today, 6 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for return the favor
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Charlotte Observer, 5 Sep. 2025
Expect the Rebels to return the favor at home.
—Noah White, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2025
The Little Leaguers did well to return the favor, peppering the major-league game that night with chants for specific players — and not always the ones at bat.
—Tim Britton, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
The plan has ignited a nasty and partisan tug-of-war with Democratic governors in Illinois, New York and California pledging to return the favor and redraw their congressional maps to add more Democratic districts.
—Joey Garrison, USA Today, 6 Aug. 2025
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 17 Sep. 2025.
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