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
If a friend or neighbor has one, ask to borrow it, be sure to return it in good working order, then try to return the favor at some point by offering something in your gardening toolbox.
—
Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 June 2025
Your connections can be instrumental now, and your success in your new role may position you to return the favor in the future.
—Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 17 June 2025
The Twins, who have so often watched the Guardians celebrate walk-off wins in recent years in Cleveland, were able to return the favor in the first game, using Kody Clemens’ walk-off double to win a 6-5 contest.
—Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 21 May 2025
The least the organization can do is return the favor and ride it out—through thick, thin, and whatever’s next.
—Brian Sampson, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for return the favor
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Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 June 2025
Your connections can be instrumental now, and your success in your new role may position you to return the favor in the future.
—Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 17 June 2025
The Twins, who have so often watched the Guardians celebrate walk-off wins in recent years in Cleveland, were able to return the favor in the first game, using Kody Clemens’ walk-off double to win a 6-5 contest.
—Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 21 May 2025
The least the organization can do is return the favor and ride it out—through thick, thin, and whatever’s next.
—Brian Sampson, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for 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 19 Jul. 2025.
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