give-and-take

[giv-uhn-teyk]

noun

1. the practice of dealing by compromise or mutual concession; cooperation.

2. good-natured exchange of talk, ideas, etc.

give-and-take

noun

1. mutual concessions, shared benefits, and cooperation

2. a smoothly flowing exchange of ideas and talk

verb

1. to make mutual concessions

Word History and Origins

Origin of give-and-take¹

First recorded in 1760–70

Idioms and Phrases

The practice of compromise, as in Every contract involves some give and take . This expression was first recorded in 1778, although the verbal idiom, to give and take , was used from the early 1500s.

Lively exchange of ideas or conversation, as in The legislature is famous for raucous give and take . [Second half of 1800s]

Related Words

• banter 
• reciprocity