# give as good as one gets

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/give-as-good-as-one-gets
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To behave toward others in a manner resembling or commensurate with their behavior towards oneself, especially in a situation where one is insulted or otherwise ill-treated.

## Examples

- She is tough and always gives as good as she gets.
- When the other team started playing aggressively, our captain decided to give as good as she got.
- He learned early in his career that if he wanted to survive in such a competitive environment, he had to be prepared to give as good as he got.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.