give back

give back

1. To return or restore something to someone or something. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "give" and "back." Give me back my sweater, you brat! Did I ever give you your pen back? Sorry to interrupt, I just wanted to give this file back. I got the information I needed.

2. To act in a charitable manner, often by donating money or volunteering. I like to give back to my community by working with other volunteers to clean up our local parks. I think you'd probably feel more fulfilled if you found some meaningful way to give back to the community. You can give back with your time, you know. Read to local kids at the library. Volunteer at a soup kitchen.

See also: back, give

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

give someone or something back (to someone or something)

to return someone or something to someone or something. Please give it back to me. You took my lunch away from me. You had better give it back. Give back the book right now!

See also: back, give

give something back

 (to someone) (with interest)

1. Lit. to return money to someone with an additional amount for interest. You are going to have to give that money back to me with interest. Please give back the proper amount... with interest!

2. Fig. to return something to someone in excess of what was received. We will give back all your kindness to you with interest. We will give it all back with interest.

See also: back, give

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

give back

v.

To return something: Don't forget to give the books back when you're done with them. I gave back the hammer when the job was done.

See also: back, give

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.