give someone his or her due

give (one) (one's) dues

1. To give someone the appropriate payment for services or work that they have done. After intense negotiations, the local government will finally be giving rural farmers their dues.

2. To give someone that which they deserve, which can be a reward or retribution, depending on the situation. Don't worry about those stool pigeons, we'll be sure to give them their dues. After all her hard work, I really hope the company finally gives Mary her dues.

See also: due, give

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

give someone his or her due

see under give credit, def. 2.

See also: due, give, someone

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.