gives as good as (one) gets
(redirected from give as good as they get)gives as good as (one) gets
Retaliates or strikes back in an equal fashion. Don't shove Johnny unless you want a bloody nose—that kid gives as good as he gets.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
give as good as one gets
Fig. to give as much as one receives; to pay someone back in kind. (Usually in the present tense.) John can take care of himself in a fight. He can give as good as he gets. Sally usually wins a formal debate. She gives as good as she gets.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
give as good as one gets
Return in kind, retaliate, as in In an argument Laura can give as good she gets, or Don't worry about the bullies in Bobby's class-he can give as good as he gets. The general idea of this expression dates from the late 1600s, but the precise wording was first recorded only in 1952.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
give as good as you get
COMMON If you give as good as you get, you argue, fight, or compete as strongly and as fiercely as your opponent. Arsenal are a tough side, but we can give as good as we get and we don't fear anyone. He's finally found himself a woman who stands up to him and gives as good as she gets.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
give as good as you get
respond with equal force or vehemence when attacked.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
give as good as you ˈget
defend yourself very well when you fight or argue with somebody: Don’t worry about her. She can give as good as she gets.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017