ENGLISH
REFERENCE

give back

idiom
Meaning

To contribute money, goods, or, especially, services for charitable purposes, as if in return for one's own success.


Examples
SIMPLE

Successful people often give back to their local community.

CONTEXTUAL

After selling his company, he decided to give back by funding scholarships for students in need.

COMPLEX

Having achieved significant professional success, she felt a moral obligation to give back to the society that had fostered her early growth.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    all the way to Egery and back

    The long way; a roundabout route; a long distance to travel.

  2. 02

    back down

    To take a less aggressive position in a conflict than one previously had, or has planned to have.

  3. 03

    back forty

    The most remote or inaccessible part of any place.

  4. 04

    back gammon player

    A person, chiefly a homosexual, who has anal sex.

  5. 05

    back in the game

    Having recovered from a disadvantageous position.

  6. 06

    back into

    To advance to the post-season as a result of another team's loss, especially where one's own team has also lost.

  7. 07

    back of one's hand

    A display of disrespect or scorn.

  8. 08

    back off

    To become less aggressive, particularly when one had appeared committed to act.

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