Give as good as you get: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Give as good as you get” mean?

"Give as good as you get" means to respond or retaliate in a similar manner as you have been treated.

What context can I use the in?

Example

He's not one to back down, he'll give as good as he gets in any argument.

Example

She's tough and can give as good as she gets in any competition.

Example

The team is known for their aggressive playing style, they give as good as they get on the field

Is “Give as good as you get” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Give as good as you get” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Give as good as you get” effectively in context?

You can use "Give as good as you get" to describe someone's ability to respond or retaliate in a similar manner as they have been treated. It emphasizes the idea of standing up for oneself and not allowing others to take advantage. For example, if someone is known for being confrontational, you might say, 'Don't underestimate him, he'll give as good as he gets in any argument.'

  • 1Conflict

    He's not one to back down, he'll give as good as he gets in any argument.

  • 2Competition

    She's tough and can give as good as she gets in any competition.

  • 3Sports

    The team is known for their aggressive playing style, they give as good as they get on the field.

Similar phrases to “Give as good as you get”:

Tit for tat

Responding to an action with a similar action

Example

He always plays tit for tat, never letting anyone take advantage of him.

Stand one's ground

To refuse to back down or yield in a disagreement or conflict

Example

She stood her ground and defended her position in the argument.

To respond to aggression or hostility with a similar approach

Example

He decided to fight fire with fire and respond aggressively to the insults.

To reverse a situation or position of disadvantage

Example

She turned the tables on her opponent and gained the upper hand.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Give as good as you get” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Give as good as you get" is unknown.

Is “Give as good as you get” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Give as good as you get" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe someone's ability to stand up for themselves and respond in a similar manner to how they have been treated.

What tone does “Give as good as you get” have?

"Give as good as you get" conveys a tone of strength and resilience. It suggests that the person is not easily intimidated and is capable of holding their own in challenging situations.

Can “Give as good as you get” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Give as good as you get" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes the ability to respond assertively. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She's tough and can give as good as she gets in any competition.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to give as good as you get!' to imply readiness to respond assertively.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

  • retaliate
  • respond in kind
  • give back
  • defend oneself
  • hold one's own

Antonyms

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