You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours: Learn what the means through example!

What does “You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours” mean?

"You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours" means if you do something nice for me, I'll do something nice for you in return.

What context can I use the in?

Example

I'll help you move this weekend if you help me paint my living room. You know, you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours.

Example

If you cover my shift tomorrow, I'll cover yours next week. It's all about you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours.

Example

Let's make a deal - I'll lend you my car for the weekend if you let me borrow your bike. You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours

Is “You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours” effectively in context?

You can use "You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours" to express the idea of reciprocity or mutual benefit. It implies that if someone does something nice for you, you will do something nice for them in return. For example, if a friend helps you move, you might say, 'Thanks for your help! You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours.'

• 1. Favors

  If you cover my shift tomorrow, I'll cover yours next week. It's all about you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours.

• 2. Exchange

  Let's make a deal - I'll lend you my car for the weekend if you let me borrow your bike. You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours.

• 3. Cooperation

  I'll help you move this weekend if you help me paint my living room. You know, you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours.

Similar phrases to “You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours”:

Tit for tat

An equivalent retaliation or response to an action

Example

He insulted her, so she insulted him back. It was a classic tit for tat situation.

Give and take

A mutual exchange or compromise

Example

In any relationship, there needs to be a balance of give and take.

Quid pro quo

Something given or received in return for something else

Example

They made a quid pro quo agreement - he would provide the funding, and she would handle the marketing.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours” come from?

The origin of the phrase "You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours" is unknown.

Is “You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours" is a common idiom used in everyday conversation. It is often used to discuss reciprocal favors or mutually beneficial arrangements.

What tone does “You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours” have?

"You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours" conveys a tone of negotiation and fairness. It suggests a willingness to help others in exchange for their help.

Can “You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that conveys the idea of reciprocity. You can use it in casual conversations with friends and family, as well as in more formal situations such as business negotiations or professional agreements.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'If you help me with this project, I'll help you with yours. You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'You scratch my back!' to imply the expectation of reciprocity.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• reciprocity
• mutual benefit
• i scratch your back, you scratch mine
• mutual cooperation

Antonyms

• selflessness
• altruism
• one-sided favor
• unilateral assistance