give credit

1. 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.

2. 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

It was one of the many moments that I give credit to our writers for being so courageous and bold in their choices.

From The Daily Beast

To prove we're not total Grinches, we will also give credit where it's due and cheer the best surprises.

From The Daily Beast

“They had no chance to obtain a credit line since the bank does not give credit,” he said.

From The Daily Beast

You have to give credit where credit is due: Democrats are particularly skilled in exploiting issues to their political advantage.

From The Daily Beast

To give credit where credit is due, Cohen does accurately identify some important and relevant points.

From The Daily Beast

And Tony, proud, ever eager to give credit to a friend, nodded toward Gus.

From Project Gutenberg

Here the scales of testimony were balanced, for the jury knew not to which party to give credit.

From Project Gutenberg

Your partiality will give credit, that all has hitherto been done which was possible, but without effect.

From Project Gutenberg

I give credit to my opponents in Parliament for that desire quite as readily as I do to my colleagues or to myself.

From Project Gutenberg

My belief is that the fellows who give credit have spies about at every railway terminus in the kingdom.

From Project Gutenberg