“Get your own back”: When I first saw this phrase, I understood it along the lines of “I got your back” which means that the other person is there to help you out, they will watch out and take care of the things you’re likely to miss, that they are a second set of eyes and hands for you. Following that train of thought, “Get your own back” would mean that you look out for yourself with the same love and concern that you would look out and help others.

Well, it turns out that the urban dictionary shows that this phrase means to retaliate, to get back at, to do something bad or unpleasant to someone who has treated one badly or unfairly. A cliche that I had not yet come across.

Both ways of defining this phrase do make sense. Is there a right way to understand it? Not really.

But because some people may associate these words with the more negative connotation, it may be worthwhile to not use it. There are other ways to tell yourself to show yourself love and concern.

There are many clichés and phrases in this category. If your words don’t land well on others, just don’t use them.