Phrase Explanation: We’re Even

When someone says, “We’re even“, it means that a debt or obligation, either literal or figurative, has been repaid. It’s another way of saying “We’re square” or “We’re settled.”

Here are two examples in sentences:

Example 1:
After John helped his brother with his homework because his brother had helped him clean his room, John said, “We’re even now.”

Example 2:
When Sarah returned the money she owed her friend, she said, “We’re even now, right?”

Now, let’s see two examples in a conversation:

Example 3:
Mike: Emma, thanks for helping me with my project last week.
Emma: Of course, Mike, you helped me move my furniture last month.
Mike: So, we’re even then.

Example 4:
Lisa: Ben, here’s the book I borrowed from you.
Ben: Great, and here’s the pen you lent me.
Lisa: Perfect, we’re even.

So, when you say, “We’re even“, you’re expressing that an obligation, favor, or debt has been equally returned or settled. It’s a way of acknowledging that you’re square with the other person.

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