quid pro quo
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quid pro quo
A favor done for someone in exchange for a favor in return. This Latin phrase means "something for something." You wash my car, and I'll drop off your dry cleaning—quid pro quo. Our company has a specific policy against quid pro quo, to prevent unfair treatment and harassment.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
quid pro quo
An equal exchange or substitution, as in I think it should be quid pro quo-you mow the lawn and I'll take you to the movies. This Latin expression, meaning "something for something," has been used in English since the late 1500s.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
ˌquid pro ˈquo
(from Latin) a thing that is given in return for something else: The management have agreed to begin pay talks as a quid pro quo for suspension of strike action.The meaning of the Latin phrase is ‘something for something’.
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
quid pro quo
Tit for tat; in law, a consideration (payment). These Latin words, literally meaning “this for that,” have been used in this way since Shakespeare’s time. Indeed, he used it in Henry VI, Part 1, when Margaret tells the Earl of Suffolk, “I cry you mercy, ’tis but quid pro quo” (5.3).
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer