expression, ichidan verb
retaliate; strike back; return a blow
Idiomatic expression literally meaning 'to repay a single arrow'. Used when someone who has been attacked or criticized manages to land a small counterattack or retort, often implying a modest or symbolic retaliation rather than a decisive victory.
彼は批判されたが、最後に一矢を報いる発言をした。
He was criticized, but in the end he made a remark that struck back.
劣勢だったチームが終盤に一矢を報いるゴールを決めた。
The team that had been on the back foot scored a retaliatory goal in the closing minutes.