you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
If you do me a favor then I will do you a favor; quid pro quo.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
Everybody's hustling for a buck and a dime / I'll scratch your back and you scratch mine
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours” mean?
If you do me a favor then I will do you a favor; quid pro quo.
Is “you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.