Get back at Meaning in English
expression
ˈɡɛt/, /ˈɡɪt/ /ˈbæk/ /ˈæt
GET or GIT-BAK-AT
ɡˈɛt/ /bˈæk/ /ˈæt
get-BAK-AT
Definition
To do something bad to someone in return for something they did to you; to take revenge.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and often used for small acts of revenge, not serious crimes. Usually followed by 'someone' (e.g., 'get back at him'). Similar to 'take revenge on' but less formal. Not used for legal or official contexts.
Spanish: vengarse dePortuguese (BR): se vingar dePortuguese (PT): vingar-se deChinese (Simplified): 报复Chinese (Traditional): 報復Hindi: बदला लेनाArabic: ينتقم منBengali: প্রতিশোধ নেওয়া - বদলা নেওয়াRussian: отомститьJapanese: 仕返しをする - 仕返しするVietnamese: trả đũa - trả thù (nhỏ)Korean: 복수하다 - 앙갚음하다Turkish: intikam almak - öc almakUrdu: بدلہ لیناIndonesian: membalas dendam - membalas (secara kecil)
Example Sentences
She wants to get back at her brother for taking her toy.
basic
You shouldn't get back at people; forgive them instead.
basic
He tried to get back at his friend by telling a secret.
basic
I can't believe she would get back at me over such a small mistake.
natural
They played a prank to get back at their boss for making them work late.
natural
Sometimes, it's tempting to get back at someone, but it's rarely worth it.
natural