if you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours

if you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours

Meaning

• to return a favour for a favour
• to take care of someone who is taking care of you
• to work among equals by offering and getting favours

Example Sentences

1. The government cannot expect any progress in the society with a “if you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours” attitude.
2. You know what I'm asking for is not so bad, if you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours. Think about it.
3. The partnership between the two firms is more of “if you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours” than actual financial dealings.
4. The kids in that class have an “if you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours” attitude and cheat plentiful during examinations.
5. I don't know about the others, but in this department, if you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours.
6. In this time and age, it is only fair that if you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours.
7. You need not stoop to the level so far down. “If you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours” is such an ethical dilemma even though it should not be.

Origin

It is considered a corporate phrase from the modern day business world and is speculated to have originated in the 19^th century.