Give the devil his due

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Meaning

Credit even a foe what's fair, nod them.

Origin

From 16th-century England, tied to Shakespeare's 'Henry IV' (1590s); 'devil his due' for fair, slang by 1600s in a play for nod. A 1630s text uses it for a foe.

Usage Examples

  • Give the devil his due; he's smart.
  • Devil his due; fair's fair.
  • Due given; he earned it.

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