backscratching
Trading helpful gestures
Backscratching is the exchange of favors, especially in politics or business—you help me, I'll help you.
The metaphor comes from the literal act: scratching someone's back feels good but requires another person to reach.
The bill passed through backscratching between committee members.
The related expression is you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours.
Preferences or courtesies
- mutualShared between parties
- quid pro quoReciprocal exchange of value
- exchangeMutual giving and receiving
- networkingBuilding professional relationships
corruption · cronyism · patronage · nepotism · collusion · kickbacks · deal-making · politics
favors
Preferences or courtesies
- mutualShared between parties
- quid pro quoReciprocal exchange of value
- exchangeMutual giving and receiving
networking · corruption · cronyism · patronage · nepotism · collusion · kickbacks · deal-making · politics · lobbying
itch
Urge to scratch
bamboo · wooden · massage · back · skin · rake · bristles · extendable · handheld · grooming
- influence peddlinginfluence peddling, quid pro quo, kickbacks, payoffs, lobbying
- reciprocityreciprocity, likewise, mutual benefit, mutualism, two-way street
backscratchingaltruism
Prioritizing others' wellbeing
selflessness · generosity · magnanimity · philanthropy · benevolence
backscratchingmeritocracy
Advancement through demonstrated ability
impartiality · integrity · transparency · incorruptibility · even-handedness
backscratchingantagonism
Active opposition or hostility
backstabbing · betrayal · hostility · opposition · sabotage
scratch, scratchy, scratching, scratched, scratches, backstabbing, backscratcher, unscratched, scratcher