give-and-take

[giv-uhn-teyk]

noun

1. the practice of dealing by compromise or mutual concession; cooperation.

2. good-natured exchange of talk, ideas, etc.

give-and-take

noun

1. mutual concessions, shared benefits, and cooperation

2. a smoothly flowing exchange of ideas and talk

verb

1. to make mutual concessions

Word History and Origins

Origin of give and take¹

First recorded in 1760–70

Idioms and Phrases

The practice of compromise, as in Every contract involves some give and take . This expression was first recorded in 1778, although the verbal idiom, to give and take , was used from the early 1500s.

Lively exchange of ideas or conversation, as in The legislature is famous for raucous give and take . [Second half of 1800s]

Example Sentences

It’s this beautiful give-and-take of a group of friends because life just doesn’t stop life-ing.

From Los Angeles Times

Even though his Democratic Party had a majority in Congress throughout his presidency, he was impatient with the legislative give-and-take and struggled to mobilize party leaders behind his policy initiatives.

From Los Angeles Times

Left behind was a tremendous give-and-take on a tough U.S.

From Seattle Times

In terms of your partnership with Director Park on this project, can you talk about the give-and-take in terms of each of your interpretations of “The Sympathizer”?

From Salon

This give-and-take between his own roles is probably why he has a particular aptitude for writing good dialogue, as his former mentor and teacher Beau O’Reilly says.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• banter 
• reciprocity