quid pro quo
[ˈkʷɪd ˈproː ˈkʷoː]word by word
The Latin phrase quid pro quo means something offered or asked in exchange for something else.
In modern English usage, this Latin phrase is most commonly used in legal, political or business contexts to describe a reciprocal exchange or a favor granted in return for another.
Meaning: something offered or asked in exchange for something else (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the interrogative pronoun quid (what/something), the preposition pro (for/in exchange for) and the pronoun quo (which/something).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the ablative case for the second pronoun quo to indicate the object of the preposition pro.
Did you know?
- In the 17th century, quid pro quo was a pharmaceutical term for a mistake where a pharmacist provided the wrong medicine in place of the correct one.
- While often used in modern English to describe a shady deal, in its original Latin, the phrase was a neutral way to describe a simple substitution or exchange.
- The word quid shares its ancient roots with the English word 'who', as both stem from the same Proto-Indo-European building blocks for interrogative pronouns.
Examples in context
- In hoc negotio quid pro quo quaerimus.In this business, we seek a quid pro quo.
Example conversation
Lucius and Aurelia are negotiating a trade.
- LuciusTibi auxilium do.I give you help.
- AureliaQuid pro quo petis?What quid pro quo are you asking for?
- LuciusAurum peto.I ask for gold.
- AureliaBene, quid pro quo est.Fine, it is a quid pro quo.
