get backverb

• 1

  Return to where one came from.

  • When I get back from holiday, I expect the house to be tidy.
  • He had one hand on the bounce bottle—and he'd never let go of that since he got back to the table—but he had a handkerchief in the other and was swabbing his deadlights with it.
• 2

  Reply (to someone); follow up (with someone).

  • I'll get back to you on that by Wednesday.
  • Please get back to me about his complaint. ["to" here connotes "reply".]
• 3

  To retrieve (something); to have (something) returned.

  • I lent her my guitar over the Christmas holidays, and will get it back when the term starts.
• 4

  To do something to hurt or harm (someone) who has hurt or harmed one; to take revenge.

  • I'll get you back for this!
  • I'll get him back for this!
• 5

  To repay; to return the favor.

  • People are afraid to let you know how much money they have because they don't want to turn into the “Bank of Michelle.” I can understand that. Don't want to get jacked into a “Hey, can I borrow five hundred bucks till next week dude? I'm a little short. I'll get you back though.”
  • “Hey, Jade, think I can borrow like twenty bucks? The guy who pays me to clean fish is out of town. Gotta buy some dog food.” I looked at Todd—it had been all of a week since our Roughhouse fight, but I guess the money hadn't lasted. I took a twenty out of my wallet. “Thanks, man. I'll get you back after our next fight.” ”Sure," I said, but I knew the money was as good as gone.