Give as good as you get

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Meaning

To match blow for blow, holding your own.

Origin

From 18th-century Britain, tied to fights; 'give as good' meant match, slang by 1770s in a Smollett tale for trade. A 1790s 'Times' uses it for a spat.

Variants

  • Good as get

Usage Examples

  • She gives as good as she gets-tough!
  • Give as good as you get; don't back off.
  • He gave as good as he got; fair fight.

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