Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English - compliment

~1 n 1 a remark that expresses admiration of someone or something  ("You have lovely hair", Bob told Emma, who blushed at the compliment. | Maria's used to receiving compliments on her appearance. | pay sb a compliment (=tell someone that they look nice, have done something well, etc) | take sth as a compliment (=be pleased about what someone has said about you))  ("James described you as a bold, brave feminist." "Oh well, I'll take that as a compliment." | shower sb with compliments (=praise someone very much) | return a compliment (=say something nice to someone after they have said something nice to you) | fish for compliments (=try to make someone say something nice about you, usually by asking them a question)) 2 pay sb the compliment of doing sth to do something that shows you trust someone else and have a good opinion of them  (They paid me the ultimate compliment of electing me as their representative.) 3 compliments plural used to express praise, admiration or good wishes  (my compliments to the chef (=used to tell someone that they cook very well))  (This Stilton and celery soup is delicious; my compliments to the chef! | compliments of the season (=used as a spoken or written greeting at Christmas and New Year)) 4 with the compliments of.../with our compliments a) an expression printed on a small piece of paper used by a company or organization when they send goods or information  (With the compliments of J. Nocuold & Son) b) used when a person or company gives you something such as a free ticket, meal etc  (Please accept these tickets with our compliments.) 5 return the compliment a) to do something to help someone after they have helped you  (Thanks for helping me move the furniture; I'll try to return the compliment one day.) b) to say or do something unpleasant to someone after they have behaved badly towards you  ("Gemma called you a fat liar.""Gee thanks. Remind me to return the compliment.") 6 back-handed compliment BrE left-handed compliment AmE something that someone says to you which is unpleasant and pleasant at the same time  ("A lot of people seem to resent you, but I like you", she said. Talk about a back-handed compliment.)  (- compare complement1) ~2 v to say something nice to someone in order to praise them  (compliment sb on sth)  (Bob complimented me on my new hairstyle.)  (- compare complement2)