credit where credit is due

Acknowledgement of someone's work or contribution to something. Often used in the phrase "give credit where credit is due." Come on, give credit where credit is due! I came up with that idea, and you know it! We may not get along very well with Mitch, but we have to give credit where credit is due—he worked hard on that project. A: "So this was your ingenious idea?" B: "Oh no, I have to give credit where credit is due—it was a group effort."

credit where credit is due

praise should be given when it is deserved, even when you are reluctant to give it.

This sentiment was earlier expressed in the form honour where honour is due , following the Authorized Version of the Bible: ‘Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour’ (Romans 13:7).