Question

in_the_loop_552 to respond to somebody’s behavior with similar behavior The expression is often, but not always, used in reference to negative situations.

Accepted Answer

PAY (SOMEONE) BACK Desmond was rude to you on the playground, but you can be nice to him anyway. You don’t have to pay him back by insulting him.Shelly appreciated Tim’s kind words, and tried to pay him back by encouraging him the next time they met.

Id	in_the_loop_552
Idiom	PAY (SOMEONE) BACK
Definition	to respond to somebody’s behavior with similar behavior
Examples	Desmond was rude to you on the playground, but you can be nice to him anyway. You don’t have to pay him back by insulting him. Shelly appreciated Tim’s kind words, and tried to pay him back by encouraging him the next time they met.
Extra Info	The expression is often, but not always, used in reference to negative situations.

Pay Back Behavior Loop Respond Somebody’s Similar Desmond