Quid pro quo ('what for what' in Latin) is a Latin phrase used in English to mean an exchange of goods or services, in which one transfer is contingent upon the other; "a favor for a favor".
What does quid pro quo mean literally?
Quid pro quo is a Latin phrase that literally means “something for something,” or “this for that.” We use the phrase to signify an exchange of goods, services, favors, or any other kind of value. When we're talking about multiple exchanges, we can say quid pro quos.
What does quid pro quo mean word by word?
In Latin, quid pro quo literally means “something for something” or “one thing for another.” The expression was notably used in the Middle Ages by apothecaries who were figuring out what substances may be substituted for another (quid pro quo) in medicines.