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
After watching their crosstown rivals sign Soto away from them, will Yankees general manager Brian Cashman return the favor by landing Alonso on a big-money deal?
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Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 14 Dec. 2024
Biden and the former presidents should return the favor in January.
—Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 20 Nov. 2024
On White Day, which takes place exactly one month later on March 14th, men return the favor by presenting women with gifts.
—Regina Kim, Forbes, 21 Sep. 2024
Don’t turn yourself into knots for someone or something that isn’t going to return the favor or benefit you fairly in turn!
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 14 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for return the favor 
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Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 14 Dec. 2024
Biden and the former presidents should return the favor in January.
—Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 20 Nov. 2024
On White Day, which takes place exactly one month later on March 14th, men return the favor by presenting women with gifts.
—Regina Kim, Forbes, 21 Sep. 2024
Don’t turn yourself into knots for someone or something that isn’t going to return the favor or benefit you fairly in turn!
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 14 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for return the favor
Dictionary Entries Near 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 5 Jan. 2025.
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