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quid-pro-quo

noun

/ˌkwɪd prəʊ ˈkwəʊ/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of quid-pro-quo

Something is given or done in exchange for something else.
"The quid pro quo between the doctor and the pharmaceutical company was unethical."

Detailed meaning of quid-pro-quo

The phrase is derived from Latin and means "something for something." In essence, it implies a mutually beneficial exchange in which both parties receive something they desire. Quid pro quo can take many forms, including in business negotiations, political deals, and social interactions. It is often used to describe situations in which favors or gifts are exchanged, but it can also refer to more abstract forms of exchange, such as the exchange of information or services. While quid pro quo exchanges are often considered to be fair and acceptable, they can also be used to engage in corrupt or unethical behavior if one party is offering something of greater value than what they receive in return. In legal terms, quid pro quo can also refer to a form of sexual harassment in which an individual in a position of power requests sexual favors in exchange for employment benefits or other professional opportunities.

Example sentences containing quid-pro-quo

1. The negotiation resulted in a fair quid-pro-quo agreement.
2. Quid-pro-quo relationships can be tricky to navigate ethically.
3. In politics, quid-pro-quo allegations can lead to scandal.
4. The business deal was a straightforward quid-pro-quo exchange.
5. Quid-pro-quo arrangements often involve mutual benefits.
6. The charity event operated on a quid-pro-quo donation model.

History and etymology of quid-pro-quo

The noun 'quid pro quo' has its etymology rooted in Latin. 'Quid' means 'what,' 'pro' means 'for,' and 'quo' means 'which' or 'what.' When combined, 'quid pro quo' literally translates to 'what for what' or 'something for something.' This Latin phrase has been adopted into English to describe a situation in which something is given or done in exchange for something else. It emphasizes the reciprocity and exchange inherent in such transactions. The etymology of 'quid pro quo' underscores its role as a term that succinctly captures the principle of equivalent exchange, where one party receives something in return for offering something of equal value, be it in business, negotiations, or social interactions.

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Further usage examples of quid-pro-quo

1. Quid-pro-quo can undermine trust in professional relationships.
2. The partnership was built on a quid-pro-quo understanding.
3. Legal contracts specify quid-pro-quo terms and conditions.
4. Quid-pro-quo can influence decision-making in subtle ways.
5. Transparency is essential to avoid quid-pro-quo perceptions.
6. The diplomat brokered a quid-pro-quo peace agreement.
7. Business negotiations sometimes require quid-pro-quo compromises.
8. The arrangement was a clear example of quid-pro-quo.
9. Quid-pro-quo dynamics can shape interpersonal interactions.
10. The employee offered quid-pro-quo assistance to colleagues.
11. In academia, quid-pro-quo collaborations foster research progress.
12. Quid-pro-quo can be a catalyst for innovation in technology.
13. Ethics guidelines discourage quid-pro-quo behavior in academia.
14. The athlete's endorsement was a quid-pro-quo for brand exposure.
15. The exchange of favors was seen as a quid pro quo arrangement.
16. The manager offered a quid pro quo to the employees, promising a raise in exchange for increased productivity.
17. The politician's actions raised suspicions of a quid pro quo with a wealthy donor.
18. The artist was reluctant to accept the quid pro quo offered by the gallery owner.
19. The quid pro quo between the two countries was a trade agreement in which each country would benefit.
20. The deal was a simple quid pro quo: I help you, you help me.
21. The quid pro quo of the agreement was that the company would receive a tax break in exchange for hiring more employees.
22. The quid pro quo between the two friends was that one would loan the other money in exchange for a future favor.
23. The business transaction was a quid pro quo, with each party bringing something to the table.
24. The quid pro quo between the student and the teacher was that the student would help with grading in exchange for extra credit.
25. The company's quid pro quo with its suppliers was a mutual benefit, with both parties receiving a benefit from the arrangement.