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 everyday use, it describes any reciprocal arrangement: The deal was a quid pro quo—she'd cover his shift if he covered hers.
In legal contexts, especially involving bribery or sexual harassment, quid pro quo implies an improper exchange of favors for benefits.
Shared dependence or exchange
- give-and-takeMutual concession between parties
- reciprocationMutual exchange of actions
- exchangeMutual giving and receiving
- favorKind act or preference
mutual benefit · tit-for-tat · trade-off · balance · equivalence · parity · fairness · symmetry
Retaliation for wrongs
- revengePunishing a wrongdoer
- reprisalPunitive action in return
- retributionPunishment for wrongdoing
- vengeanceRetaliation for injury
countermeasure · recompense · settling scores · eye for an eye · comeuppance · requital · counterstrike
Careful thought or compensation
- contractEnforceable written agreement
- agreementShared position between parties
- stipulationCondition in an agreement
- obligationRequired task or commitment
clause · terms · settlement · binding · enforceable · covenant · provision · breach
Corrupt payment for influence
- kickbackIllegal payment for services
- payoffCulminating benefit received
- graftIllicit political gain
- extortionObtaining through threats
cronyism · nepotism · hush money · inducement · patronage · sleaze · backroom deal · under-the-table
Binding pact between nations
- accordHarmony between parties
- pactFormal agreement between parties
- concessionYielding a point
- negotiationDiscussion seeking mutual accord
compromise · détente · summit · bilateral · multilateral · sanction · trade agreement · alliance
mutuality
Shared dependence or exchange
- give-and-takeMutual concession between parties
- reciprocationMutual exchange of actions
- exchangeMutual giving and receiving
favor · mutual benefit · tit-for-tat · trade-off · balance · equivalence · parity · fairness · symmetry · interdependence
payback
Retaliation for wrongs
- revengePunishing a wrongdoer
- reprisalPunitive action in return
- retributionPunishment for wrongdoing
vengeance · countermeasure · recompense · settling scores · eye for an eye · comeuppance · requital · counterstrike
consideration
Careful thought or compensation
- contractEnforceable written agreement
- agreementShared position between parties
- stipulationCondition in an agreement
obligation · clause · terms · settlement · binding · enforceable · covenant · provision · breach · liability
bribery
Corrupt payment for influence
extortion · cronyism · nepotism · hush money · inducement · patronage · sleaze · backroom deal · under-the-table · shakedown
treaty
Binding pact between nations
- accordHarmony between parties
- pactFormal agreement between parties
- concessionYielding a point
negotiation · compromise · détente · summit · bilateral · multilateral · sanction · trade agreement · alliance · protocol
- negotiationbargaining, bargain, negotiate, mediation, compromise
- barterswap, barter, trade, exchange, haggling
- corruptioncorruption, graft, kickbacks, bribery, bribes
- Dealmakingdeal, negotiator, bargaining, offer, counteroffer
- Exchangeexchange, barter, swap, trade-in, trade-off
- Negotiation Termsdeadlock, bargaining, negotiation, stalemate, compromise
quid pro quoaltruism
Prioritizing others' wellbeing
generosity · selflessness · benevolence · unconditional love · magnanimity
quid pro quono strings attached
Without obligations or conditions
free gift · blank check · gratis · clean hands · carte blanche