scratch someone's back
Help expecting return
To scratch someone's back is to do them a favor, usually with the expectation of reciprocity.
The expression comes from the longer you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours—mutual assistance between parties who each have something the other wants.
The phrase often implies transactional relationships or mild corruption: The contractor scratched the inspector's back with tickets to the game.
- helping handSupport given to another
- quid pro quoReciprocal exchange of value
- win-win situationOutcome benefiting all parties
- mutual benefitGain for all involved
- give-and-takeMutual concession between parties
do me a favor · mutualism · tit for tat · good turn · payback · teamwork · obligation · IOU · exchange · partnership · return the favor · symbiosis · barter · cronyism · palm greasing · alliance · trade-off · shared interest
scratch someone's backbetray
Violate a trust
backstab · double-cross · throw under the bus · undermine · sabotage
scratch someone's backlook out for number one
Favor your own interests
take advantage of · exploit · freeload · burn bridges · one-way street
scratch someone's backplay by the rules
Follow accepted procedures
scratch, scratched, scratching, scratches, scratcher, backed, backing, backer