favor (redirected from favors)

not do someone any favours (British, American & Australian, American)

to do something that is likely to have a bad effect on you or on another person. You're not well, and you're not doing yourself any favours by taking on extra work. (often reflexive) The government isn't doing the families of the victims any favor by hiding the truth about what really happened. (usually in continuous tenses; often + by + doing something)

See also: any, favour

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curry favor (with someone)

to try to make someone like you or support you by doing or saying things to please them. The candidate has promised lower taxes in an attempt to curry favor with the voters.

Etymology: from the literal meaning of curry (= to clean and brush a horse with a special comb)

See also: curry

do yourself a favor

to do something that will have a good effect on you or give you an advantage. Why don't you do yourself a favor and take a vacation this summer?

in favor of something

because you prefer something. Her offer was rejected by the company in favor of a much better deal.

all for something

not do someone/yourself any favors

to do something that will have a bad effect on you or someone else. We are not doing our children any favors by giving them unrealistic ideas of how the world works.

Usage notes: often said about something that is intended to be helpful or kind but that has the opposite effect

See also: any

return the favor

to do something similar to someone who has behaved badly to you. The other team's fans are nasty to us, and our fans can't wait to return the favor.

return the compliment

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of return the favor (= to do something similar for someone who has done something good for you)

See also: return