give back

What it means

To return something to the person who owned it or lent it to you. It can also mean to do something good for your community or society in return for what you've received.

Examples

• Can you give me back the book I lent you last month?
• He refused to give back the money even after losing the argument.
• She volunteers at the shelter because she wants to give back to the community.
• Please give the keys back to reception before you check out.

Where it comes from

Separable: 'give it back' or 'give back the pen'. With pronouns, the separated form ('give it back') is the natural choice in spoken English.

Related phrasal verbs