get even
don't get mad, get even
Channel your anger into revenge. When I heard that a co-worker had stolen my idea and presented it as his own, all I could think was, "Don't get mad, get even."
See also: even, get
get even (with someone)
To exact revenge or take retaliatory action (against someone) as a means of equalizing some prior mistreatment. This prank may seem elaborate, but I need to get even with my brother for dumping a bucket of water on me the other day. After Sheila figured out that Tammy was the one who had started the rumor about her, she swore that she would get even. No one criticizes the boss, as we're all afraid he may fire us just to get even.
See also: even, get
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
get even
COMMON If you get even with someone who has hurt or insulted you, you get your revenge on them. He is so furious about their treatment of him that he's determined to get even. He'd leapt at this chance to get even with the guy who had taken his money.
See also: even, get
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
- don't get mad, get even
- eaten up with (something)
- hatred
- just then
- the moon on a stick
- (as) mad as a box of frogs
- take revenge
- take revenge (against/on someone or something)