Meaning & use
use quid pro quo
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Meanings
nouncountableformallegal
an arrangement in which someone gives something in return for something else.
Grammar: Often used with 'a': a quid pro quo. The plural is quid pro quos.
Patterns
- a quid pro quo
- as a quid pro quo
- a quid pro quo for something
The two companies agreed on a quid pro quo: cheaper materials in exchange for faster delivery.
The mayor denied that there was any quid pro quo with the developer.
She offered her support as a quid pro quo for his vote.
nouncountableformallegal
something given or received in exchange for something else.
Grammar: Used to talk about the thing itself, not the whole arrangement.
Patterns
- a quid pro quo for something
- offer a quid pro quo
- receive a quid pro quo
The donation was seen as a quid pro quo for political favors.
He received a quid pro quo in the form of a lucrative contract.
No quid pro quo was ever proven in court.
Word forms
| plural | quid pro quos |
|---|
Common combinations
- a quid pro quo arrangement
- They had a quid pro quo arrangement: she helped him move, and he fixed her computer.
- deny a quid pro quo
- The senator denied any quid pro quo.
- a quid pro quo deal
- The quid pro quo deal was criticized as unethical.
Synonyms and how they differ
- exchange
- 'Exchange' is the general word for giving one thing and getting another; 'quid pro quo' is more formal and often suggests a secret or questionable deal.
- trade-off
- A 'trade-off' is a balance between two things you want, where you lose one to gain the other; 'quid pro quo' is a direct swap of favors.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'quid pro quo' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Quid pro quo' is a noun phrase meaning an exchange of one thing for another. Option A uses it as if it were a gift; option C uses it as an adjective; option D uses it as a verb.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “use quid pro quo”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.