return the favor

idiom

Meaning

To do something for someone similar to what they did for you.

Examples

SIMPLE

He helped me move, so I want to return the favor.

CONTEXTUAL

She watched my dog last weekend, so I offered to return the favor by picking up her groceries.

COMPLEX

After the neighbor provided crucial support during the crisis, he felt a deep moral obligation to return the favor when the opportunity eventually arose.

Anchors to

favor
return

Related idioms4entries

01
curry favor
To seek to gain favor by flattery or attention.
02
do me a favour
Expressing incredulity.
03
return to form
A return to a former state of success or brilliance.
04
return to one's muttons
To get back to the business at hand.