En 15 segundos
- To get revenge on someone.
- Payback for a wrong.
- Settling a score.
- Informal and personal.
Significado
Cuando te 'desquitas con' alguien, básicamente te estás vengando. Se trata de saldar cuentas porque sientes que te hicieron daño primero. Piensa en ello como equilibrar la balanza, pero de una manera un tanto mezquina y, a menudo, satisfactoria. Lleva una vibra de venganza y asegura que la otra persona sepa que no te dejarás pisotear.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 11Texting a friend about a minor annoyance
My neighbor keeps letting his dog bark all night, I swear I'm going to get even with him!
My neighbor keeps letting his dog bark all night, I swear I'm going to get even with him!
Discussing a past betrayal with a friend
She spread lies about me at work, but I'll get even with her when the promotion comes up.
She spread lies about me at work, but I'll get even with her when the promotion comes up.
Casual conversation about siblings
My brother hid my keys again. I'm going to get even with him by eating his last piece of cake.
My brother hid my keys again. I'm going to get even with him by eating his last piece of cake.
Contexto cultural
The concept of 'even' as balance and fairness is deeply ingrained in many cultures. This phrase taps into that primal human desire for reciprocity, especially when wronged. It exists because people have always sought ways to address perceived injustices, even on a small, personal scale. The idiom reflects a common, informal approach to conflict resolution – or rather, escalation – rooted in folk wisdom about settling scores.
It's All About Reciprocity
Think of 'even' as 'equal'. When someone does something unfair to you, you feel 'unequal'. To 'get even with' them means you want to do something back to make things 'equal' again.
Don't Use It Professionally!
Using 'get even with' in a job interview or formal complaint sounds immature and aggressive. Stick to professional language like 'address the issue' or 'seek resolution'.
En 15 segundos
- To get revenge on someone.
- Payback for a wrong.
- Settling a score.
- Informal and personal.
What It Means
When you get even with someone, you're trying to get revenge. You feel they did something bad to you. So, you do something bad back to them. It's about settling a score. You want them to feel what you felt. It’s a way to balance things out. You feel like you've gotten payback.
Origin Story
The idea of 'even' meaning 'equal' or 'balanced' is super old. Think about ancient scales. If one side was heavier, it wasn't 'even'. People have always wanted fairness. The phrase likely popped up from this basic idea of balance. Early uses connect it to settling debts or accounts. If someone 'owes' you, you need to make it 'even'. This could be a favor or, more commonly, a wrong. It’s like saying, 'You took something from me, so I'll take something back to make us even.' It’s been around for centuries in English.
How To Use It
Use get even with when you plan revenge. You want to pay someone back. It's usually for something personal. You might say, 'He spread rumors about me. I'll get even with him.' It's a direct statement of intent. You're telling someone your plan for revenge. Or, you might mention a past event. 'She ruined my project, but I'll get even with her someday.' It shows you remember the slight.
Real-Life Examples
Imagine your roommate ate your last slice of pizza. You might text your friend, 'My roommate totally ate my pizza! I need to get even with them.' Or maybe someone cuts you off in traffic. You might think, 'That driver was so rude. I want to get even with them.' On a bigger scale, a character in a movie might plot revenge. They'd say, 'I will get even with the person who betrayed me.' It’s all about payback for a perceived wrong.
When To Use It
Use get even with when you feel wronged. You want to retaliate. It’s for personal slights or injuries. Think of a friend who borrowed money and never paid it back. You might joke, 'I'm going to get even with him by eating all his snacks!' It’s often used in informal settings. You wouldn't use it in a formal business meeting. Unless maybe you're talking about a fictional scenario. It’s about personal justice, however small.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use get even with for serious crimes. It sounds petty for major offenses. You wouldn't say, 'The government will get even with the terrorists.' That's too mild. It's also not for professional settings. Saying 'I'll get even with my boss for firing me' is a bad idea. It sounds unprofessional and potentially threatening. Avoid it when you need to be polite or diplomatic. It’s not for situations where you need to forgive and forget. It implies holding a grudge.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse get even with with just 'being even'. They might say, 'I want to get even.' That doesn't make sense. You need the 'with someone' part. Or they might use it for general fairness. 'We need to get even with the scores in the game.' That's wrong. You'd say 'tie the score' or 'make the score even'.
✗ I want to get even.
✓ I want to get even with him.
✗ Let's get even with the game score.
✓ Let's tie the game score.
Similar Expressions
There are many ways to talk about revenge. Get revenge is very direct. Pay someone back is similar and common. Have your revenge is a bit more dramatic. Settle a score implies a long-standing issue. Tit for tat means an equal exchange, often negative. An eye for an eye is a very old principle of exact revenge. Each has a slightly different flavor, but the core idea is similar.
Memory Trick
Think of 'even' as 'equal'. When someone does something bad to you, you're 'unequal'. You feel unbalanced. To get even with them means you want to do something back to make things 'equal' again. Imagine a seesaw. If they push down, you want to push down too. You want to get them back to the 'even' level.
Quick FAQ
Is it always about revenge? Yes, it means getting payback. Is it polite? Not really, it's informal. Can it be funny? Sometimes, if it's about small things. What if they didn't do anything wrong? Then you can't get even with them. It requires a prior offense.
Notas de uso
This idiom is strictly informal and should be used in casual conversation among friends or family. Avoid it in professional, academic, or any formal settings, as it sounds immature and aggressive. Be mindful that it implies a desire for personal revenge, so use it appropriately for minor grievances rather than serious offenses.
It's All About Reciprocity
Think of 'even' as 'equal'. When someone does something unfair to you, you feel 'unequal'. To 'get even with' them means you want to do something back to make things 'equal' again.
Don't Use It Professionally!
Using 'get even with' in a job interview or formal complaint sounds immature and aggressive. Stick to professional language like 'address the issue' or 'seek resolution'.
Humor is Your Friend
This phrase often works best when used humorously for minor offenses. Saying 'I'll get even with him by eating his last cookie' is funny; saying it about a serious crime is not.
The Desire for Balance
This idiom exists because humans have a deep-seated need for fairness and reciprocity. It reflects a common, informal way people deal with perceived injustices in everyday life.
Ejemplos
11My neighbor keeps letting his dog bark all night, I swear I'm going to get even with him!
My neighbor keeps letting his dog bark all night, I swear I'm going to get even with him!
Shows a humorous intent for minor revenge.
She spread lies about me at work, but I'll get even with her when the promotion comes up.
She spread lies about me at work, but I'll get even with her when the promotion comes up.
Implies a planned, more serious retaliation.
My brother hid my keys again. I'm going to get even with him by eating his last piece of cake.
My brother hid my keys again. I'm going to get even with him by eating his last piece of cake.
A lighthearted example of sibling rivalry and petty revenge.
This airline lost my luggage for a week! I'm definitely writing a review to get even with them for this terrible service.
This airline lost my luggage for a week! I'm definitely writing a review to get even with them for this terrible service.
Using online platforms as a form of 'getting even'.
He thought he could prank me? Well, watch this! Time to get even with @prankster_buddy!
He thought he could prank me? Well, watch this! Time to get even with @prankster_buddy!
Used in a fun, competitive context on social media.
While I disagree with my previous manager's methods, I wouldn't seek to get even with them; I focus on moving forward professionally.
While I disagree with my previous manager's methods, I wouldn't seek to get even with them; I focus on moving forward professionally.
Shows awareness of the phrase's negative connotation in a professional context.
He sabotaged my presentation, but I need to handle this carefully; I can't just try to get even with him directly.
He sabotaged my presentation, but I need to handle this carefully; I can't just try to get even with him directly.
Acknowledges the desire for revenge but recognizes professional constraints.
✗ I want to get even my friend for taking my bike. → ✓ I want to get even with my friend for taking my bike.
✗ I want to get even my friend for taking my bike. → ✓ I want to get even with my friend for taking my bike.
Missing the crucial preposition 'with'.
✗ Let's get even the score in the final minute! → ✓ Let's tie the score in the final minute!
✗ Let's get even the score in the final minute! → ✓ Let's tie the score in the final minute!
Confusing 'get even with' (revenge) with 'make even' (balance/tie).
He pulled a massive prank on me last week, so I'm planning how to get even with him this weekend.
He pulled a massive prank on me last week, so I'm planning how to get even with him this weekend.
Highlights the reciprocal nature of pranks and revenge.
After years of injustice, she vowed she would get even with the man who ruined her family.
After years of injustice, she vowed she would get even with the man who ruined her family.
Used in a serious, dramatic context implying significant revenge.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
The sentence describes a plan for revenge or payback for the cookie being eaten.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
The phrase requires the preposition 'with' after 'even' when specifying the person you want to retaliate against.
Choose the sentence that uses 'get even with' correctly.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
Option A is incorrect because you don't 'get even with' a situation, and a promotion is usually a positive outcome. Option B is incorrect for the same reason; you don't 'get even with' a situation. Option D is incorrect because 'get even with' implies retaliation for a wrong, not completing a task.
Put the words in the correct order to form a sentence.
This is a common structure for the idiom, indicating a desire for revenge against a specific person.
Translate the sentence into English.
'Vengarme' directly translates to 'take revenge' or 'get revenge'. The idiom 'get even with' is a very common and natural way to express this in English, especially in informal contexts.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
The idiom 'get even with' requires the preposition 'with' to indicate the target of the revenge.
Choose the best word to complete the sentence.
The context of an 'embarrassing photo' suggests a desire for retaliation or payback, which is the meaning of 'get even with'.
Choose the sentence that uses 'get even with' most appropriately.
Which sentence best captures the nuance of 'get even with'?
This option correctly uses the idiom for personal revenge against an individual who committed a betrayal. The other options misuse the phrase: you don't 'get even with' abstract concepts like 'polluters' (use 'hold accountable'), 'deadlines' (use 'meet' or 'beat'), or 'situations' (use 'come to terms with' or 'accept').
Rearrange the words to form a natural-sounding sentence.
This sentence correctly uses the idiom 'get even with' to express a future intention of seeking revenge.
Translate the sentence, paying attention to the idiom.
'Prendre sa revanche' is the French equivalent of seeking revenge. 'Get even with' is the most natural and common English idiom to express this sentiment, particularly in informal contexts.
Match the phrase with its correct meaning.
Understanding the nuances between similar phrases helps you choose the most appropriate one for your context.
Identify and correct the misuse of the idiom.
'Get even with' implies personal revenge for a specific wrong. Companies compete, they don't seek revenge on the market. 'Compete with' is the appropriate term for business rivalry.
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Ayudas visuales
Formality Spectrum for 'Get Even With'
Used in casual chats, often with friends, sometimes jokingly.
He took my parking spot! I'm gonna get even with him!
Standard usage in everyday conversation, implies personal revenge.
She spread rumors about me, but I'll get even with her.
Rarely used in neutral contexts; sounds out of place.
The company seeks to get even with its competitors. (Sounds odd)
Almost never used in formal settings.
Not applicable.
When Do People 'Get Even With' Someone?
Sibling rivalry
My sister borrowed my favorite shirt without asking, so I'll get even with her by hiding her phone.
Workplace gossip
He spread lies about me, but I'll get even with him when the project review happens.
Friendship disputes
She told my secret! I need to get even with her somehow.
Petty annoyances
My neighbor's dog barks constantly. I want to get even with him!
Prank wars
He pranked me first, so now it's my turn to get even with him.
Online disputes (jokingly)
Someone left a mean comment. Time to get even with them in the replies!
Comparing 'Get Even With' to Similar Phrases
Contexts for Using 'Get Even With'
Personal Grievances
- • Feeling wronged by a friend
- • Annoyance with a neighbor
- • Frustration with a family member
Informal Retaliation
- • Petty revenge
- • Prank wars
- • Settling minor disputes
Social Media
- • Joking about payback
- • Responding to trolls (carefully!)
- • Venting about bad service
Avoid in Formal Settings
- • Job interviews
- • Business negotiations
- • Formal complaints
Banco de ejercicios
12 ejerciciosMy brother ate the last cookie, so I'm going to ___ ___ ___ him by hiding his game controller.
The sentence describes a plan for revenge or payback for the cookie being eaten.
Encuentra y corrige el error:
I want to get even my sister for borrowing my sweater without asking.
The phrase requires the preposition 'with' after 'even' when specifying the person you want to retaliate against.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
Option A is incorrect because you don't 'get even with' a situation, and a promotion is usually a positive outcome. Option B is incorrect for the same reason; you don't 'get even with' a situation. Option D is incorrect because 'get even with' implies retaliation for a wrong, not completing a task.
Ordena las palabras en el orden correcto:
Haz clic en las palabras de arriba para construir la oracion
This is a common structure for the idiom, indicating a desire for revenge against a specific person.
Quiero vengarme de mi vecino por el ruido.
Pistas: Think about the meaning of 'vengarme'., Consider the idiom for payback.
'Vengarme' directly translates to 'take revenge' or 'get revenge'. The idiom 'get even with' is a very common and natural way to express this in English, especially in informal contexts.
Encuentra y corrige el error:
He will get even the person who stole his wallet.
The idiom 'get even with' requires the preposition 'with' to indicate the target of the revenge.
After she posted that embarrassing photo, I felt like I needed to ___ ___ ___ her.
The context of an 'embarrassing photo' suggests a desire for retaliation or payback, which is the meaning of 'get even with'.
Which sentence best captures the nuance of 'get even with'?
This option correctly uses the idiom for personal revenge against an individual who committed a betrayal. The other options misuse the phrase: you don't 'get even with' abstract concepts like 'polluters' (use 'hold accountable'), 'deadlines' (use 'meet' or 'beat'), or 'situations' (use 'come to terms with' or 'accept').
Ordena las palabras en el orden correcto:
Haz clic en las palabras de arriba para construir la oracion
This sentence correctly uses the idiom 'get even with' to express a future intention of seeking revenge.
Il cherche à prendre sa revanche sur son rival.
Pistas: 'Prendre sa revanche' means to take revenge., Consider the most common English idiom for this.
'Prendre sa revanche' is the French equivalent of seeking revenge. 'Get even with' is the most natural and common English idiom to express this sentiment, particularly in informal contexts.
Empareja cada elemento de la izquierda con su par de la derecha:
Understanding the nuances between similar phrases helps you choose the most appropriate one for your context.
Encuentra y corrige el error:
The company aims to get even with the market by launching a new product.
'Get even with' implies personal revenge for a specific wrong. Companies compete, they don't seek revenge on the market. 'Compete with' is the appropriate term for business rivalry.
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Encuentra tutoriales en video sobre esta expresión en YouTube.
Preguntas frecuentes
18 preguntasIt means to retaliate against someone because you feel they did something wrong to you. It's about getting payback or revenge to make things feel 'even' or fair again.
It's definitely informal. You'd use it when talking with friends or family about personal matters. It sounds out of place in professional settings like business meetings or formal writing.
Yes, absolutely! It's often used humorously for minor annoyances, like a sibling taking your snack. The humor comes from the idea of seeking revenge for something trivial.
Use it when someone has wronged you personally, and you feel the urge to retaliate. Think of situations like a friend betraying your trust or a sibling playing a mean trick.
Avoid it in formal situations like job interviews or official complaints. Also, don't use it for serious crimes; it sounds too petty. It's best reserved for personal, informal contexts.
They are very similar, but 'get revenge on' can sound a bit more serious or intense. 'Get even with' often implies a more personal, sometimes petty, act of payback.
In this context, 'even' refers to a state of balance or equality. When someone wrongs you, the scales feel unbalanced. 'Getting even' means performing an action to restore that balance, usually by inflicting a similar wrong.
Generally, no. The phrase is typically used for individuals. You might say you want to 'hold a company accountable' or 'protest against' a group, but 'get even with' sounds strange in those contexts.
A frequent error is forgetting the preposition 'with'. People might say 'I want to get even him,' but the correct form is 'I want to get even *with* him.' Also, confusing it with 'make the score even' is common.
Yes, the core meaning is about retaliation for a perceived wrong. While it can be used humorously, the underlying idea is still payback for something negative that happened.
Yes, if someone does something nice for you, you might want to 'return the favor' or 'reciprocate'. These are positive actions, unlike the negative payback implied by 'get even with'.
It likely comes from the old idea of 'even' meaning balanced or equal. Just like balancing accounts, people wanted to balance wrongs done to them by retaliating.
'Tit for tat' implies an equal exchange of actions, often in response to a similar action. 'Get even with' focuses more on the personal feeling of needing payback for a specific wrong.
No, it's far too informal. Legal contexts would use terms like 'prosecute', 'punish', 'hold accountable', or 'seek damages'. 'Get even with' implies personal, informal revenge.
You could say they 'got what was coming to them' or 'got their just deserts'. These phrases imply that the negative outcome was deserved due to their own actions.
No, 'get even' on its own usually means to reach a state of equality, like in a game score ('The score is tied, we need to get even'). 'Get even *with*' specifically means to retaliate against a person.
Yes, you can talk about wanting to get even with someone for something that happened long ago. For example, 'He never forgot the insult and vowed he would get even with him someday.'
The vibe is one of payback, settling a score, and personal justice, often with a slightly mischievous or even petty undertone. It's about balancing the scales after feeling wronged.
Frases relacionadas
get revenge on
synonymTo inflict harm or suffering on someone in return for an injury or wrong suffered at their hands.
This phrase is a direct synonym, often interchangeable with 'get even with', though 'revenge' can sometimes imply a more serious or intense desire for vengeance.
pay back
synonymTo do something harmful or unpleasant to someone because they have harmed or treated you badly.
'Pay back' is a very common informal synonym, often used for both literal debts and acts of retaliation, similar to 'get even with'.
settle a score
related topicTo do something to punish someone who has harmed you in the past.
This phrase implies resolving a past grievance or conflict, often through retaliation, making it closely related to the concept of 'getting even'.
get one's own back
regional variantTo take revenge on someone who has done something unkind or unfair to you.
This is a common informal British English idiom that means the same thing as 'get even with' or 'get revenge on'.
tit for tat
related topicAn equivalent exchange of injuries or actions; retaliation in kind.
While 'tit for tat' focuses on the equal nature of the exchange, it often involves retaliation, making it conceptually linked to 'getting even'.
make amends
antonymTo do something to show that you are sorry for something bad that you did.
This phrase represents the opposite action; instead of retaliating, it involves apologizing or compensating for a wrong.
