to  pay   somebody  back in one's own  coin
pay
peɪ
pei
somebody
bæk
bāk
back
ɪn
in
in
wʌnz
vanz
<i>one's</i>
əʊn
ewn
own
kɔɪn
koyn
<abbr style="text-decoration: underline;" title="coin / crown" > coin</abbr>

Definition & Meaning of "pay somebody back in one's own coin"in English

to pay somebody back in one's own coin
01

to retaliate by treating others in the same negative manner they treated one 

to [pay] {sb} back in {one's} own (coin|crown) definition and meaning
Idiom
Informal

What is the origin of the idiom "pay someone back in their own coin" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "pay someone back in their own coin" can be traced back to the idea of currency or payment. In the past, coins were used as a form of payment, and each coin had a specific value. When someone paid one with a coin, one received exactly what was owed to one. Similarly, when one "pays someone back in their own coin," one is figuratively giving them back the same kind of treatment or behavior they have given one. It is typically used in situations where someone wants to retaliate or respond to another person's actions, words, or behavior by using similar tactics or treatment that they have received.

Examples
After years of insults, she finally paid him back in his own coin. 
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