What Does Quid Pro Quo Mean?

Quid pro quo is a Latin phrase used in English to mean an exchange of goods or services, in which one transfer is contingent upon the other; "a favor for a favor". Phrases with similar meanings include: "give and take", "tit for tat", "you scratch my back, and I'll scratch yours", and "one hand washes the other".

What does quid pro quo mean literally?

In Latin, the phrase means literally “what for what”, or “something for something” (quid being short for aliquid, or “something”). One issue with quid pro quo is that the sense in which the phrase is used nowadays is subtly different from its original use.

What is the best example of quid pro quo?

Quid pro quo is defined as giving something in exchange for getting something. An example of quid pro quo is when you cover for your friend in a lie in exchange for him covering for you later. An example of quid pro quo is a boss who offers his secretary a raise if she will kiss him.