get even (with someone)
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.
*even
(with someone) not being indebted to someone for money; no longer needing to retaliate against someone. (*Typically: be ~; get ~.) I will get even with you for breaking my baseball bat! Jimmy got even with Bill by punching him in the nose.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
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.
get (or be) even with
inflict similar trouble or harm on someone as they have inflicted on you. informalSee also: even, get
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- get even with
- put (something) over on (one)
- put over on
- put something over on
- in the eyes of the law
- caper
- pounce at the death
- get wind of
- get wind of (something)
- get wind of something