Today's expression, "Give credit where credit is due," means that we should not hold back on praising someone just because we don't like them. For example: Fred's a jerk, but to give credit where credit is due, he's a good salesman.

Or, sometimes, we should recognize someone's strong points, even if they have other points that are much weaker. "Susan may be a terrible singer, but I'll give credit where credit is due, she can really dance!"

Let's see it in a dialogue.

James sees his student, a girl named Gail, fuming in front of a bulletin board.

James: Hey, kiddo. What's gripin' you?

Gail: Oooo, that Mitzi. She is such a… such a… OOOO I don't know what!

James: What's she done now?

Gail: Look at this! (Pointing to the bulletin board) Head cheerleader? That's ridiculous! She doesn't know a High V from a Low V!

James: Ah, the green-eyed monster rears its ugly head.

Gail: Could be. But why does she have to own everything?

James: Let's give credit where credit is due: She has good social skills, and is really popular--at least with most people.

Gail: Yeah, I know. It's just that we were BFFs in junior high, but now she's too busy with others to talk to me.

James: Hey, she's a people person. Maybe if you reached out a little more…?

Gail: Not my thing.

James: Yeah, you're more of a loner…

Gail: Some would say "a loser."

James: Not me!

Gail: Thanks, James.

Notes on the dialogue:

--Fuming: Being angry.

--Bulletin board: A board on campuses, in offices, etc., where important notices are posted.

--Kiddo: A friendly form of address.

--What's gripin' you?: What's bothering you?

--She such a… such a… : Gail is so angry she is unable to find the words.

--I don't know what!: A substitute for whatever name Gail was trying to think of.

--High V and Low V: Two of the most basic moves in cheerleading and, as the name suggests, completely opposite in direction.

--The green-eyed monster: A cliched metaphor for "jealousy."

--Rears its ugly head: Words commonly used with "green-eyed monster," mean the monster has raised its head, and its not a pleasant thing to see.

--To own everything: Gail feels that Mitzi is getting all the opportunities, leaving nothing for others.

--Good social skills: The ability to communicate effectively and make people like her.

--BFFs: Best Friends Forever.

--A people person: Someone who has good social skills.

--To reach out: To try making more friends.

--One's thing: One's strong point.

--A loner: One who prefers to be alone.

--A loser: One with no friends; one who is not socially skillful.