View synonyms for

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]

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Example Sentences

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When Grande tried to return the compliment, Eilish quipped back, “This is not about me, ma’am.”

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“And might I return the compliment?”

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He was happy to return the compliment.

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If you wish to return the compliment, blink and your cat might blink back.

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Prince Charles will return the compliment in a speech he makes at the handover ceremony on Monday evening.

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