return the compliment
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]
Nearby words
return on equity, return on investment, return on net assets, return receipt, return stroke, return the compliment, return ticket, return to the fold, return-cocked, return-flue boiler, returnable
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
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