English Reference
Idiom idiom

get even


To inflict trouble or harm on another in return, typically the same as that inflicted on oneself.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

“He wants to get even with his brother for the prank.”

CONTEXTUAL

“After she lost her job because of his lies, she spent months planning how to get even.”

COMPLEX

“Driven by a cold desire to get even, he meticulously dismantled his rival's reputation, mirroring the exact betrayal he had suffered years prior.”


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    as it gets

    As it is possible to be.

  2. 02

    been there, done that, got the T-shirt

    Alternative form of been there, done that, bought the T-shirt.

  3. 03

    can't get enough

    Greatly enjoys; likes a lot.

  4. 04

    cat got someone's tongue

    Why is someone not saying anything?

  5. 05

    could not get elected dogcatcher

    Said of someone, particularly a politician, who is extremely unpopular.

  6. 06

    don't get someone started

    Used to attempt to avoid or abbreviate a discussion that speaker or hearer may wish to avoid.

  7. 07

    five will get you ten

    I strongly believe.

  8. 08

    get a charge out of

    To derive excitement, entertainment, or pleasure from.

Last updated August 10, 2026