get even with

IPA/ɡɛt ˈiːvən wɪð/
IPA/ɡɛt ˈiːvən wɪð/

get even with — idiom

1. to harm, embarrass, or gain an advantage over someone as a way of paying them ba

1.慣用語B2
釋義

to harm, embarrass, or gain an advantage over someone as a way of paying them back for something unfair they did to you — like returning a mean prank, exposing a lie, or beating a rival who cheated.

例句

When a classmate spread a rumour about Lin, Lin got even by ignoring him.

get even by + [method]

The baker got even with the new coffee shop by offering bigger discounts.

get even with + [person] by + [method]

同義詞
  • take revenge on

    more formal and deliberate, often implies serious harm

  • pay back

    more neutral, can be positive (reward) or negative; context determines the meaning

  • retaliate against

    focuses on the act of return attack, often immediate rather than planned

反義詞
  • forgive

    to let go of the desire for payback

  • let it go

    to choose not to respond at all

文法句型

get even + with + [person or group]

get even + for + [the wrong]

get even + by + [method of revenge]

用法筆記

Common in informal speech and storytelling. The phrase emphasises deliberate, planned payback rather than a sudden emotional outburst. Frequently followed by 'with' and the person or group targeted.

常見錯誤

❌I will get even with this problem.
✅I will get even with the person who caused this problem.
💡'get even with' requires a person or group as its object, not a thing or situation.
❌She got even him by telling the teacher.
✅She got even with him by telling the teacher.
💡The preposition 'with' is required; it cannot be omitted.