gives as good as (one) gets

gives as good as (one) gets

Retaliates or strikes back in an equal fashion. Don't shove Johnny unless you want a bloody nose—that kid gives as good as he gets.See also: get, give, good

give as good as one gets

Fig. to give as much as one receives; to pay someone back in kind. (Usually in the present tense.) John can take care of himself in a fight. He can give as good as he gets. Sally usually wins a formal debate. She gives as good as she gets.See also: get, give, good, one

give as good as one gets

Return in kind, retaliate, as in In an argument Laura can give as good she gets, or Don't worry about the bullies in Bobby's class-he can give as good as he gets. The general idea of this expression dates from the late 1600s, but the precise wording was first recorded only in 1952. See also: get, give, good, one

give as good as you get

COMMON If you give as good as you get, you argue, fight, or compete as strongly and as fiercely as your opponent. Arsenal are a tough side, but we can give as good as we get and we don't fear anyone. He's finally found himself a woman who stands up to him and gives as good as she gets.See also: get, give, good

give as good as you get

respond with equal force or vehemence when attacked.See also: get, give, good

give as good as you ˈget

defend yourself very well when you fight or argue with somebody: Don’t worry about her. She can give as good as she gets.See also: get, give, good