horse trade

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noun

a shrewdly conducted exchange, as of favors or objects, usually resulting from or accompanied by very close bargaining.

an exchanging or trading of horses.

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Origin of horse trade

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50

horse-trade

[ hawrs-treyd ]

/ ˈhɔrsˌtreɪd /

verb (used without object), horse-trad·ed, horse-trad·ing.

to bargain or trade shrewdly.

An Americanism dating back to 1820–30

There are a bunch of juicy details in between, but I ended up getting that car in a horse trade.
Telling men’s stories through their cars|Daniel Bentley|October 19, 2020|Fortune
Its graceful hotels and beautiful restaurants are totally dependent on the tourist trade.
Is Putin Turning to Terrorism in Ukraine?|Anna Nemtsova|January 6, 2015|DAILY BEAST
I mean, the reality of it was, I had to go out and get on a horse, and ride in, shoot the gun — how hard was that, right?
The Story Behind Lee Marvin’s Liberty Valance Smile|Robert Ward|January 3, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Dance instructors run a lucrative trade offering private lessons to couples before their wedding receptions, typically the tango.
Iran’s Becoming a Footloose Nation as Dance Lessons Spread|IranWire|January 2, 2015|DAILY BEAST

The poet apparently collapsed in the street upon his departure from “The Horse” and died not long after.
The Bars That Made America Great|Nina Strochlic|December 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The Horse You Came in On Saloon, Baltimore Horse-themed bars must be bad luck for famous authors.
The Bars That Made America Great|Nina Strochlic|December 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
At the mention of the Merrill Horse, Poindexter's countenance took on a demoniac expression.
The Courier of the Ozarks|Byron A. Dunn
But you are mistaken in thinking the force west consists of the entire Merrill Horse.
The Courier of the Ozarks|Byron A. Dunn
It was at this parliament that the famous acts against horse racing and deceitful gaming were passed.
The Every Day Book of History and Chronology|Joel Munsell
Four years ago Hetton's horse had been first favourite, but it was ignominiously beaten.
The Pit Town Coronet, Volume I (of 3)|Charles James Wills
As the window dropped, Ripperda saw the wounded postilion fall on the neck of his horse.
The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4|Jane Porter