- Meaning
- This idiom describes responding to an attack, challenge, or criticism with equal force, wit, or intensity, holding your own in a confrontation. It suggests matching an opponent’s effort or aggression, often implying resilience or assertiveness. The phrase is used in competitive, social, or verbal contexts to praise or encourage standing up for oneself, carrying a spirited, combative tone. It reflects cultural values of fairness and strength, celebrating the ability to retaliate or defend effectively without being overwhelmed.
- Origin
- The phrase likely originated in 18th-century Britain, tied to physical or verbal sparring, where ‘giving’ and ‘getting’ denoted exchanging blows or insults. An early use appears in a 1790 *Gentleman’s Magazine* article, describing a boxer who ‘gave as good as he got.’ The idiom gained traction in the 19th century, reflecting a culture of dueling and debate, as seen in Charles Dickens’ *Pickwick Papers* (1837). Its use grew in American English during the 20th century, particularly in sports and politics, and was popularized through media like Western films. The phrase’s dynamic imagery and relevance to conflict ensured its spread across English-speaking cultures.
- Variants
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- Give as good as you get
- Give as good as you take
- Give as good as you’ve got
- Give back as good as you get
- Examples
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- She gave as good as she got in the debate, countering every argument with sharp wit.
- Give as good as you take, or they’ll walk all over you in negotiations.
- He gave as good as he got, matching his rival’s insults with clever comebacks.
- Give back as good as you get—don’t let their criticism go unanswered.
- In the match, she gave as good as she’ve got, returning every serve with power.
- They gave as good as they got, standing firm against the aggressive sales tactics.
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