1. to do something for someone because they have done something for you.

Our neighbors looked after the house while we were away, and we'll return the compliment when they go on vacation.

2. to do or say something unfriendly to someone because they have made you angry.

The batter was thrown out of the game, so he returned the compliment by calling the umpire a fool.

Related vocabulary: return the favor

• up to par
• up to scratch
• up to snuff
• up to speed
• up to the hilt
• up to the mark
• up-to-the-minute
• up to the minute
• up to your neck in
• up to your neck in something
• up to your old tricks
• up your alley
• up your sleeve
• use a sledgehammer to crack a nut
• used to
• used to doing something
• used to do something
• used to something
• Use loaf.
• use something to good account
• use to good account
• use up
• use up something
• Use your loaf.
• usher in