Learn English – “Right back at you” meaning and usage

phrase-meaningphrase-usage

I searched for Right back at you meaning and saw that it means you too, and used in fun, sporty, easy- going manner, when someone compliments you.

I saw an example given :

A: Nice car!
B: Right back at you.

I do not understand this. In this context how can you say you too to the person A ? Wouldn't it mean that, you are saying "person A is also a car" ?

Any help please ?

Best Answer

Right back at you!

or, more simply,

Back at you!

or just

Back atcha!

are used to return expressions of approval.

As you suspect, they mean "you too" in most contexts.

The reason you are having trouble with the example sentence is because it doesn't seem to make much sense—unless both people have nice cars. Do they?

Note: they wouldn't ever mean "person A is also a car" but in all probability person A does have a nice car.

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