I owe you one Sher Khan..

“I owe you one, Sher Khan”, Vijay said.

“To improve English communication, go to Col Manchanda”, advised his friend Reddy. He took Reddy’s advise and joined Manchanda’s classes.

Months later, the two friends crossed each other’s path in a crowded mall. He saw Reddy, gave him a tight hug and said, “I owe you one bro! your advice helped me win the IIM seat”.

I owe you one is an expression of gratitude. It is used to acknowledge someone’s good deed towards you. It’s you telling him that you owe him a favor. You promise him that you’d do him a return favor in future when the opportunity presents itself.

Lets see some examples:

1. I owe you one bro. I would have never got this contract if you had not used your connections with the top officials.
2. He helped me when I was broke. I can never forget it. I owe him one.
3. Sher Khan owes him one. The inspector saved Sher Khan from a sure shot encounter. If he comes to know that you are planning to kidnap the inspector’s son, he will shoot you..

It can be used for big favors (helped me when I was broke) to small or insignificant ones (Can I pay for your drink?) but the key idea is gratitude for something good you did to me.

Let’s take some more examples:

Snippet 1:

“Can I pay for your drink?”

“Thanks! I owe you one”

Snippet 2:

“I have asked the librarian to reserve the book for you against my card”

“Thanks man. I owe you one”

Snippet 3:

“Don’t worry. You look after your uncle. I have circulated a mail in the office and by evening, I will visit you in the hospital with a couple of guys of B+ blood group”

“Thanks yaar. You have been a great help. I owe you one”.