quid pro quo

[ kwid proh kwoh ]

noun

, plural quid pro quos, quids pro quo.

1. something that is given or taken in return for something else.

quid pro quo

/ ˈkwɪd prəʊ ˈkwəʊ /

noun

1. a reciprocal exchange
2. something given in compensation, esp an advantage or object given in exchange for another

quid pro quo

1. A fair exchange; the phrase is most frequently used in diplomacy: “The Chinese may make some concessions on trade, but they will no doubt demand a quid pro quo, so we must be prepared to make concessions too.” From Latin , meaning “something for something.”

Word History and Origins

Origin of quid pro quo¹

First recorded in 1555–65; Latin quid prō quō, literally, “what for what, something for something”; pro ¹none, quiddity none, status quo

Word History and Origins

Origin of quid pro quo¹

C16: from Latin: something for something

Idioms and Phrases

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.