C2idiominformalpeopleIELTS-friendly
give as good as you get
USUK
to fight or argue back just as strongly as someone attacks you
Usually admiring: the person can defend themselves. The pronouns change together: 'she gives as good as she gets'.
In context
Don't worry about Mai in the debate; she always gives as good as she gets.
My older brothers teased me constantly, but I learnt to give as good as I got.
More idioms about people
- a chip off the old blocka child who is very like one of their parents in character or skills
- a cold fishsomeone who seems unfriendly and does not show feelings
- a drama queensomeone who reacts to small problems as if they were very serious
- a fair-weather friendsomeone who is your friend only when things are going well for you
- a friend in need is a friend indeeda person who helps you when you are in trouble is a true friend