quits
/kwits/
Definition
Adjective 1. Being on equal terms, especially by having settled a debt or obligation: This describes a state where nothing is owed between parties, often after a payment or reciprocal action. 2. Even or level after retaliation or repayment: This describes a situation where a score is settled, a wrong is avenged, or a balance is restored, leaving no further claim.
Usage
The word "quits" is a predicate adjective, meaning it typically follows a linking verb like "be," "call," or "cry." It describes the relationship or status between two or more parties. It is most commonly used in informal contexts.
Examples
- Adjective:
- After I paid him back the $20, we were quits. (The debt was settled, putting us on equal terms.)
- You broke my phone, and I broke yours. Now we're quits. (A retaliatory action has made the situation even.)
- He wanted to be quits with the loan by the end of the month. (He aimed for a state where the loan was fully repaid.)
Advanced Usage
- "to call it quits": To decide to stop doing something, especially to end a relationship, a job, or an activity.
- After arguing for hours, they decided to call it quits and go to bed.
- He's been with the company for 30 years and is ready to call it quits.
- "to cry quits" (less common, somewhat archaic): To declare that a contest or dispute should end with both sides being even; to agree to stop.
- After a long, drawn-out argument with no winner, they agreed to cry quits.
Variants and Related Words
- Double or quits: A gambling proposition where a player can either double a debt/loss or cancel it entirely with a single further wager. (Note: This is a set phrase where "quits" functions as a noun meaning "the state of being even.")
- He lost the first bet and then went for double or quits on the next hand.
Synonyms
- Even: Having no balance of debt or advantage.
- Square: Settled, with all accounts closed.
- Settled: Resolved or paid off.
Related Idioms
- To be quits with someone/something: To have settled all scores or obligations with a person or thing.
- After the apology, she felt she was finally quits with the whole unpleasant incident.
Adjective
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on equal terms by payment or requital
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we're now quits
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finally quits with the loan
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