quid pro quo

Meaning

This term refers to a favor or advantage granted in return for something else. In business and legal contexts, it describes a reciprocal agreement where one party provides a service or product on the condition of receiving something of equal value. While often neutral, it can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation of transactional deal-making.

Examples

• The partnership was built on a quid pro quo: we shared our technology, and they provided market access.

  The partnership was built on a quid pro quo: we shared our technology, and they provided market access.

• They offered us a discount as a quid pro quo for signing a long-term contract.

  They offered us a discount as a quid pro quo for signing a long-term contract.

• In politics, campaign contributions are often viewed as a quid pro quo for future political favors.

  In politics, campaign contributions are often viewed as a quid pro quo for future political favors.

• We need to establish a clear quid pro quo before sharing our proprietary customer data.

  We need to establish a clear quid pro quo before sharing our proprietary customer data.

• The agreement wasn't a donation; it was a quid pro quo that benefited both organizations.

  The agreement wasn't a donation; it was a quid pro quo that benefited both organizations.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We did a quid pro quo agreement.

  ✓ We made a quid pro quo agreement.

  We typically 'make' or 'have' an agreement, or describe the relationship 'as a quid pro quo' rather than using 'do'.

• ✗ They gave us a discount in quid pro quo for our loyalty.

  ✓ They gave us a discount as a quid pro quo for our loyalty.

  Use the preposition 'as' before 'a quid pro quo' to show the purpose of the action.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The investment was not a charity donation; it was a clear ___ for equity in the startup.

  💡 A favor or advantage given in return for something else.

  Show answer

  quid pro quo

• If we help them with their marketing campaign, what is the ___ for us?

  💡 The reciprocal benefit we will receive.

  Show answer

  quid pro quo