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
For instance, the insects that feast on juneberry flowers return the favor by carrying pollen to other blossoms.
—
The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 27 June 2025
But, either way, Corman would eventually return the favor by producing this Syfy monster mash-up featuring a patently CGI shark–octopus hybrid.
—Chris Nashawaty, EW.com, 20 June 2025
If a friend or neighbor has one, ask to borrow it, be sure to return it in good working order, then try to return the favor at some point by offering something in your gardening toolbox.
—Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 June 2025
Your connections can be instrumental now, and your success in your new role may position you to return the favor in the future.
—Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for return the favor
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The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 27 June 2025
But, either way, Corman would eventually return the favor by producing this Syfy monster mash-up featuring a patently CGI shark–octopus hybrid.
—Chris Nashawaty, EW.com, 20 June 2025
If a friend or neighbor has one, ask to borrow it, be sure to return it in good working order, then try to return the favor at some point by offering something in your gardening toolbox.
—Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 June 2025
Your connections can be instrumental now, and your success in your new role may position you to return the favor in the future.
—Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 17 June 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 25 Jul. 2025.
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