backscratch
Trade help informally
Backscratch refers to mutual favor-trading—you help me, I help you.
The image is of two people scratching each other's backs where they can't reach themselves.
Often appears as backscratching: There's a lot of backscratching going on between lobbyists and legislators.
The literal sense—scratching someone's back—is less common than the figurative.
Kind act or preference
- quid pro quoReciprocal exchange of value
- mutualShared between parties
- exchangeMutual giving and receiving
- tit for tatEquivalent retaliation
give and take · trade-off · barter · return · repayment · cooperation · symbiosis · logrolling
Easing of distress
- irritationMild anger or inflammation
- itchinessIrritating skin sensation
- tingleSlight stinging sensation
- prickleTiny sharp point
rash · hives · mosquito bite · eczema · psoriasis · dermatitis · allergy · redness
Extending via nested tubes
- extendableAble to increase length
- bambooTall woody grass
- woodenMade from timber
- plasticCapable of being molded
handheld · claw · reach · prong · massage · therapeutic · self-care · hygiene
Conveying information nonverbally
- nonverbalNot using speech
- body languageUnspoken physical expression
- communicationExchanging ideas or information
- indicateSignal or point to
favor
Kind act or preference
- quid pro quoReciprocal exchange of value
- mutualShared between parties
- exchangeMutual giving and receiving
tit for tat · give and take · trade-off · barter · return · repayment · cooperation · symbiosis · logrolling · nepotism
relief
Easing of distress
- irritationMild anger or inflammation
- itchinessIrritating skin sensation
- tingleSlight stinging sensation
prickle · rash · hives · mosquito bite · eczema · psoriasis · dermatitis · allergy · redness · inflammation
telescopic
Extending via nested tubes
- extendableAble to increase length
- bambooTall woody grass
- woodenMade from timber
plastic · handheld · claw · reach · prong · massage · therapeutic · self-care · hygiene · gadget
signaling
Conveying information nonverbally
- nonverbalNot using speech
- body languageUnspoken physical expression
- communicationExchanging ideas or information
backscratchaltruism
Prioritizing others' wellbeing
charity · philanthropy · selflessness · magnanimity · benevolence
backscratchbackstab
Betray someone's trust
betray · double-cross · undermine · sabotage · sell out
backscratchmeritocracy
Advancement through demonstrated ability
fair dealing · impartiality · transparency · even-handed · by the book
backscratcher, backscratches, backscratchers, backscratching