quid-pro-quo
Something for something
Quid pro quo is Latin for "something for something"—an exchange where one thing is given in return for another.
In law and politics, it often implies improper bargaining: The contract was void due to lack of quid pro quo.
Sexual harassment cases frequently hinge on quid pro quo arrangements where favors are traded for professional advancement.
More neutrally, it describes any reciprocal transaction: The deal was a straightforward quid pro quo.
Mutual giving and receiving
- reciprocityMutual exchange of actions
- tradeExchange of commodities
- barterDirect goods-for-goods exchange
- dealAgreement or distribution
negotiation · bargain · swap · mutual · agreement · favor · compensation · arrangement
Enforceable written agreement
- considerationCareful thought or compensation
- obligationRequired task or commitment
- bindingLegally or morally required
- agreementShared position between parties
clause · stipulation · terms · performance · breach · covenant · remedy · condition
Corrupt payment for influence
- kickbackIllegal payment for services
- graftIllicit political gain
- payoffCulminating benefit received
- inducementMotivating factor or offer
illicit · backroom · scandal · influence · improper · unethical · extortion · coercion
Binding pact between nations
- negotiationDiscussion seeking mutual accord
- concessionYielding a point
- allianceFormal union of parties
- accordHarmony between parties
détente · sanction · leverage · bilateral · summit · compromise · rapprochement · protocol
exchange
Mutual giving and receiving
- reciprocityMutual exchange of actions
- tradeExchange of commodities
- barterDirect goods-for-goods exchange
deal · negotiation · bargain · swap · mutual · agreement · favor · compensation · arrangement · tit-for-tat
contract
Enforceable written agreement
- considerationCareful thought or compensation
- obligationRequired task or commitment
- bindingLegally or morally required
agreement · clause · stipulation · terms · performance · breach · covenant · remedy · condition · compliance
bribery
Corrupt payment for influence
inducement · illicit · backroom · scandal · influence · improper · unethical · extortion · coercion · abuse
treaty
Binding pact between nations
- negotiationDiscussion seeking mutual accord
- concessionYielding a point
- allianceFormal union of parties
accord · détente · sanction · leverage · bilateral · summit · compromise · rapprochement · protocol · envoy
quid-pro-quogift
Item given freely
no strings attached · free gift · charity · donation · altruism