give the devil his due, flex (one's) muscles

lash in the pan As Apple flexes its mobile muscles, it is changing the appearance of video on the web GIVE Steve Jobs his due. Apple’s charismatic boss is, without question, the most strategic thinker in the business. He appreciates better than anyone that ...




Kremlin flexes its muscles amid post-election protests

A heavy police presence, soldiers in the streets and imprisoned protesters.
The Kremlin is showing who's boss after disappointing results in
parliamentary elections for Putin and Medvedev's United Russia party.


idiom:

flex (one's) muscles Informal.

1. To exhibit or show off one's strength.
   

give the devil his due

Give credit to what is good in a disagreeable or disliked person. For example, I don't like John's views on education, but give the devil his due, he always has something important to say, or I don't like what the new management has done, but give the devil his due, sales have improved. [Late 1500s]