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.
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.
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.
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.