quid pro quo

American  

[kwid proh kwoh] / ˈkwɪd proʊ ˈkwoʊ /

noun

plural

quid pro quos, quids pro quo

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

---

quid pro quo British  

/ 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 Cultural  

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.”

---

quid pro quo Idioms  

1. 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.

---

Usage

What does quid pro quo mean? Tit for tat. You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours. Or, if you want to get a little fancier, quid pro quo. This is a Latin-derived expression referring to something done for someone in exchange for something of equal value in return.

Etymology

Origin of quid pro quo

First recorded in 1555–65; Latin quid prō quō, literally, “what for what, something for something”; pro ¹ , quiddity , status quo

Compare meaning

How does quid-pro-quo compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• quid pro quo vs. bribery

Example Sentences

District Judge Katherine Menendez, presiding over Minnesota’s request to end what locals officials have called a federal occupation, seemed to recognize the quid pro quo at play.

From Salon • Jan. 28, 2026

This is just one man’s opinion, but: No, I think would be too obvious of a quid pro quo to fool anyone—even the median American voter, bless his heart.

From Slate • Jul. 24, 2025

Some in the EU suspect the UK government believes it can get a quid pro quo on trade for defence.

From BBC • Dec. 28, 2024

There is no indication from the documents AP reviewed that China donated the money in expectation of a quid pro quo to gloss over positive drug tests.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 22, 2024

The most logical explanation is that the wrestlers made a quid pro quo agreement: you let me win today, when I really need the victory, and I’ll let you win the next time.

From "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt