give-and-take

American  

[giv-uhn-teyk] / ˈgɪv ənˈteɪk /

noun

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

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

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give-and-take British  

noun

1. mutual concessions, shared benefits, and cooperation

2. a smoothly flowing exchange of ideas and talk

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verb

1. to make mutual concessions

give and take Idioms  

1. 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.

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

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Etymology

Origin of give-and-take

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

But also Eileen doesn’t quite know what that takes, what a relationship takes, the give-and-take.

From Los Angeles Times

Soon, talking to an actual human being—a person who deserved courtesy, empathy and genuine give-and-take—felt like squeezing into too-tight jeans after a month of living in sweatpants.

From The Wall Street Journal

Whatever the reason, it’s a shame that one of the couple’s final collaborative works — a very sweet and realistic tale of give-and-take — is all but missing from the documentary about their relationship.

From Salon

It’s this beautiful give-and-take of a group of friends because life just doesn’t stop life-ing.

From Los Angeles Times

Left behind was a tremendous give-and-take on a tough U.S.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• banter
• reciprocity