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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Bright & Rohrabacher blew open game three, winning 11-6 and never really being pushed, only to have the #1 pairs return the favor in game four by the same 11-6 score-line. Todd Boss, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024 The least Booth and the Nuggets can do is return the favor in kind. Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 26 Sep. 2024 But this Neanderthal girl -- who suffered from health issues such as hearing loss, imbalance problems and vertigo -- likely could not return the favor, so her survival appears to be based purely on the altruism of the adults around her, Conde-Valverde said. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 26 June 2024 On July 11, the pop trio will return the favor, speaking as Ballard gets a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Paul Grein, Billboard, 1 July 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 Nov. 2024.

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