Showing definitions for quid pro quo

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Slang dictionary results for quid pro quo

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.

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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

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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.”

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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.

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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”; see 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

It was, in the end I'm told, quid pro quo.

From BBC • May 19, 2025

In an interview with CBS, an executive with a hemp distributor denied any quid pro quo.

From Slate • Nov. 1, 2024

He set her free from her imprisonment on the ranch, but there was no quid pro quo and he’s troubled by that, so he returns to gather the debt.

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2024

My quid pro quo double date with Jeff, Kristina, and Justin is at the Legion Diner on 773.

From "Ask the Passengers" by A.S. King