owe (one) one
To be indebted to one for something they did. Thanks for not ratting me out to the boss about being late this morning—I owe you one! OK, you can borrow my car, but you owe me one!
I owe you one.
Inf. Thank you, now I owe you a favor.; I owe you something similar in return. Bob: I put the extra copy of the book on your desk. Sue: Thanks, I owe you one. Bill: Let me pay for your drink. Bob: Thanks a lot, I owe you one.
owe someone one
INFORMALIf you owe someone one, you feel very grateful to them for something they have done for you. `I've got the engine going again.' `Thanks, mate — I owe you one!'
owe someone one
feel indebted to someone. informal 1990 Paul Auster The Music of Chance ‘I guess I owe you one,’ Floyd said, patting Nashe's back in an awkward show of gratitude.