noun phrase🎓 English idiom

give and take

mutual compromise between people

What it means

Give and take refers to the willingness to make concessions so that both sides get something they want. It describes the cooperative balancing that makes relationships, negotiations, and teamwork function — you accept some of their needs, they accept some of yours.

Examples

  • Every healthy marriage involves a lot of give and take.
  • The negotiations required real give and take on both sides.
  • There's always some give and take when you share an office.
  • Good friendships are built on give and take, not keeping score.

Where it comes from

Recorded since the late 1700s, originally referring to the mutual concessions in horse racing handicaps, then broadened to any reciprocal exchange.

Related idioms

#back and forth#ups and downs#ins and outs#by and large

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