pay somebody back in one's own coin

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

to pay somebody back in one's own coin

PHRASE

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.

Example

Tired of his friend's constant teasing, Tom decided to pay him back in his own coin by poking fun at him in a lighthearted way.

After enduring years of criticism from her coworker, Jane decided to pay her back in her own coin by providing honest feedback during a team meeting.

Mark felt that his neighbor was being excessively noisy late at night, so he decided to pay him back in his own coin by playing loud music in the morning.

When the rival company launched an aggressive advertising campaign against them, the business retaliated by using similar tactics to pay them back in their own coin.