Definition

Noun 1. The act of returning something received, especially in a reciprocal manner; repayment or retaliation: This refers to a group action or response that is given in return for something previously received, often implying an equivalent or measured return, whether positive (like repayment) or negative (like revenge).

Usage

• The term "paying back" as a noun describes the action or instance of making a return. It is often used to discuss reciprocity, settling debts, or retaliatory actions.
• It functions as a singular noun (e.g., ) but often refers to an abstract concept.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Her promotion was seen as a paying back for all her years of loyal service.
  • The harsh sanctions were a paying back for the unprovoked aggression.
  • He viewed the gift not as charity, but as a paying back of an old favor.

Advanced Usage

• "as good as one gets": This idiom is closely related to the concept of "paying back," meaning to respond with an action of equal force or quality.
  • In the debate, she gave him as good as she got, a perfect paying back for his earlier criticisms.

Variants and Related Words

• Pay back (phrasal verb): To return money that is owed; to take revenge on someone.
  • I need to pay back the loan. (return money)
  • He vowed to pay back those who betrayed him. (take revenge)
• Repayment (n): The action of paying back a loan or debt.
• Retaliation (n): The action of returning a military attack or harmful action; revenge.
• Reciprocation (n): The act of exchanging things or actions with others for mutual benefit.

Synonyms

• Requital: Something given in return or compensation.
• Retribution: Punishment inflicted as vengeance for a wrong.
• Recompense: Compensation or reward given for loss or harm suffered, or for effort made.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Pay off: To pay the full amount of (a debt).
  • It took ten years to pay off the mortgage.
• Pay out: To give someone money, especially as compensation or a settlement.
  • The insurance company will pay out for the damages.

Related Idioms

• Pay someone back in their own coin: To treat someone in the same bad way they have treated you.
  • After his deceit, she paid him back in his own coin.
• An eye for an eye: The idea that punishment should be equivalent to the crime committed (lex talionis).
  • Their justice system follows the principle of an eye for an eye, a brutal form of paying back.

Noun

1. a reciprocal group action
   • in return we gave them as good as we got