repay in kind

USAGE SUMMARY

"repay in kind" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone has been given something, and the something can be returned with something of equal value. For example: "I cooked you dinner last week, so let me know if you would like to repay in kind sometime soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

And ultimately, Mr. Tankleff said, he would like to be able to repay in kind the legal assistance he had received and help others wrongfully convicted.

The New York Times

Cassidy thinks it's important to repay in kind by contributing to the cooking and cleaning, but she warns that being nomadic isn't for everybody.

The Guardian - Money

Therefore BP's Kovykta deal is quite an achievement and one it will have to repay in kind.

Forbes

But seeing, or rather feeling, the warm relationship from our side they repay in kind.

Unicef

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Saunders generously gives her many of the best lines, and Lumley repays in kind by chewing them up and spitting them out in an impeccably timed deadpan snarl.

The Guardian - Film

Snedeker was the first recipient, and all these years later, he looked upon Sunday as a golden opportunity to repay Wilt in kind.

The New York Times - Sports

The lesson of this week's intramural bickering, I think, is less about war than about management: when you run roughshod over people -- whether allies or the general staff of the military -- they will repay you in kind.

The New York Times

The business can then repay you in kind, costing them very little but likely gaining them even more loyalty from you.

TechCrunch

"I don't think they've done it because of that necessarily, but they've shown a bit of leniency and I'm sure Wayne Rooney will repay it in kind".

BBC

Many people, when given trust, will feel so deeply grateful for the trust placed in them that they'll do anything to repay it in kind.

WikiHow

More important, it is lovely and entertaining, and the tanuki, rarely known for repaying generosity in kind, certainly couldn't ask for a better ambassador.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "repay in kind", ensure the context clearly indicates the nature of the repayment, whether it's a service, a gift, or a gesture of goodwill.

Common error

Avoid using "repay in kind" when the return is disproportionate or inappropriate for the initial action. The phrase implies a balanced exchange.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "repay in kind" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating a reciprocal action or gesture. According to Ludwig AI, it signifies that something is returned with something of equal value. Examples show its use in contexts ranging from legal assistance to simple favors.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "repay in kind" is an idiomatic phrase used to express a reciprocal action or gesture, implying that something is returned with something of equal value. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English, and examples demonstrate its application across various contexts, primarily in news and formal settings. While grammatically correct, it's essential to use it appropriately to ensure the context conveys the balanced exchange intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Settle in kind

Emphasizes resolving a debt or obligation with something of equal value, shifting the focus from repayment to settlement.

Return the favor

A more informal way of expressing reciprocity, focusing on returning a good deed or kindness.

Reciprocate in like manner

A formal and emphatic way to express returning something in a similar way.

Give as good as one gets

Highlights the act of responding to treatment, whether good or bad, with equal measure.

Pay back in the same coin

Emphasizes retribution or revenge, often used in a negative context.

Render an equivalent

Focuses on providing something that is functionally or qualitatively equal in return.

Make a suitable return

Highlights the act of providing an appropriate response or repayment.

Match tit for tat

Signifies an exchange of actions or remarks, typically retaliatory.

Answer in kind

Indicates a response that is similar in nature or content to the original action or statement.

Give back in equal measure

Highlights the equality of the response compared to the initial action.

FAQs

How can I use "repay in kind" in a sentence?

You can use "repay in kind" to show that someone returns something of equal value, like a favor or a service. For example, "She offered to babysit, and I promised to "repay in kind" by helping her with her garden".

What's a more formal alternative to "repay in kind"?

A more formal alternative could be "reciprocate in like manner" or "render an equivalent". These options are suitable for professional or academic settings.

Is "repay in kind" only used for positive exchanges?

While often used for positive exchanges like favors or services, "repay in kind" can also apply to negative situations where someone responds to harm with similar harm, though this is less common.

What's the difference between "repay" and ""repay in kind""?

"Repay" generally refers to returning something that was borrowed, often money. "Repay in kind" implies returning something with an equivalent action or service, not necessarily the exact same item or value.