give credit
Idioms-
Also, extend credit . Trust someone to pay at some future time what he or she owes. For example, I haven't enough cash this month, so I hope they'll give me credit . This use of credit dates from the mid-1500s.
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Acknowledge an accomplishment, as in They really should give her credit for the work she's done . [Late 1700s] The phrase is sometimes amplified to give credit where credit is due , meaning the acknowledgment should be to the person who deserves it. This expression was probably coined by Samuel Adams in a letter (October 29, 1777), which put it: “Give credit to whom credit due.” It is sometimes put give someone their due , as in We should really give Nancy her due for trying to sort out this mess .
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
You have to give credit to the Brewers.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 16, 2026
"I want to give credit to the system and what they put in place," he said.
From BBC ● Jul. 20, 2026
To give credit where it’s due, few films wear their bathos with such pride.
From Salon ● Mar. 19, 2026
Mr. Boise’s op-ed speaks truth, but he fails to give credit where credit is due.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 18, 2026
“We are nice people here. We will let you buy on credit. A man bringing your rice just now. You tell the man your name, and he will give credit to you.”
From "Taste of Salt: A Story of Modern Haiti" by Frances Temple
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.