return (someone's) compliment

1. Literally, to compliment someone in return for a compliment they gave first. I always feel the need to return people's compliments whenever they say something nice to me. It feels rude not to, I guess.

2. To reciprocate someone's actions. You helped me last week, so let me return your compliment and do your taxes for you. If Tiffany's the one who started that rumor about me, I'll just return her compliment with a rumor about her.

See also: compliment, return

See also:

return the compliment
in return
in return for
in return for (something)
pay (one) a compliment
pay a compliment
pay compliment
by return mail
by return mail and by return post
mail

All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional.