return the compliment
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Also, return the favor. Repay someone in kind, as in Her political opponent came out with a smear campaign, and she returned the compliment. Neither the compliment nor the favor in this idiom is necessarily desirable. [First half of 1700s]
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QUIZ YOURSELF ON AFFECT VS. EFFECT!
In effect, this quiz will prove whether or not you have the skills to know the difference between “affect” and “effect.”
Question 1 of 7
The rainy weather could not ________ my elated spirits on my graduation day.
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Words nearby return the compliment
return on equity, return on investment, return on net assets, return receipt, return stroke, return the compliment, return ticket, return to the fold, retuse, retweet, Retz
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
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