get (one's) own back

get (one's) own back

To take or get revenge upon a person or group of people, especially as a means of recompense or personal satisfaction for a slight or previous setback; to avenge oneself. Jonathan bullied me mercilessly at school, but I eventually got my own back when I bought out his father's business and became his boss. Our ground troops may have been outgunned by the insurgents, but we'll get our own back when we begin the airstrikes.

See also: back, get, own

get your own back

BRITISH, INFORMAL

COMMON If you get your own back on someone, you take revenge on them because of something that they have done to you. You're only interested in getting your own back on Terence. I was bullied at school and I want to get my own back.

See also: back, get, own

get your own back

take action in retaliation for a wrongdoing or insult. British informal

See also: back, get, own

get your ˈown back (on somebody)

(informal) do something to somebody in return for harm they have done to you; get revenge: I got my own back by writing a very rude article about him in the newspaper.

See also: back, get, own