Scratch back

Meaning

The phrase "scratch back" is an idiomatic expression that means to help or support someone financially, usually by providing funds to cover expenses or debts. It is often used to refer to a mutually beneficial agreement where both parties benefit from each other's contributions.

Usage

• "I offered to scratch back for my friend's new car. I knew he couldn't afford it otherwise."
• "We have an understanding that if we need help, we can always count on each other to scratch back."
• "The company promised to scratch back for employee salaries during the economic downturn."
• "I was hesitant at first, but my brother convinced me to scratch back and invest in his business."
• "We need to find a way to scratch back for our employees' benefits package without breaking the bank."

Roots and History

The idiom "scratch back" is believed to have originated from the phrase "scratch my back and I'll scratch yours," which means to help each other in exchange for mutual support. The expression was first used in the late 19th century and has since become a common idiom used in business and financial contexts.

Synonyms in English

• "mutual benefit"
• "reciprocity"
• "quid pro quo"
• "commonly understood"
• "agreement"

Synonyms in other languages

• Japanese: "協議" (kyougi) - an agreement or arrangement made between two parties with mutual benefit
• French: "entente" - a mutual understanding or agreement between two parties
• German: "Verständnis" - an understanding or mutual agreement between two parties
• Spanish: "acuerdo" - an agreement or understanding between two parties
• Italian: "patrocinio" - support or protection provided by one party to another

Similar Idioms

• tide over

• comb through

• man of straw