backscratching
ˈbækˌskrætʃɪŋ
Definition

Definition of backscratching - Reverso English Dictionary

Noun

favor exchangehelping each other by doing favors
  • The politicians were accused of backscratching to gain support.
  • Corporate backscratching led to the deal's approval.
  • Backscratching among board members was evident.
mutual aid reciprocity
Add a suggestion |

Origin of backscratching

English, back + scratch (to rub) + -ing (action)

View all translations of backscratching

Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
  1. French:copinage, ...
  2. German:Vetternwirtschaft, ...
  3. Italian:scambio di favori, ...
  4. Spanish:intercambio de favores, ...
  5. Portuguese:troca de favores, ...
  6. Chinese:互助互惠, ...
  7. Japanese:便宜を図り合うこと, ...
  8. Arabic:تَبادُل المَصالِح, ...
  9. Hebrew:טוֹבַת הֲנָאָה הֲדָדִית, ...
  10. Russian:взаимопомощь, ...
  11. Ukrainian:обмін послугами, ...
  12. Hindi:एहसान का आदान-प्रदान, ...
backscratch
ˈbækˌskrætʃ

Definition of backscratch - Reverso English Dictionary

Noun

1.
reciprocityRaremutual exchange of favorsRare
  • Their relationship was based on backscratch and mutual benefits.
quid pro quo reciprocity
2.
physicalRarescratch on the skin of the backRare
  • He had a backscratch from climbing the tree.

Verb

1.
physical actiontr./intr.Rarescratch one's or another's back for relieftr./intr.Rare
  • She asked him to backscratch her after a long day.
rub scrape scratch
2.
reciprocal helptr.Rarehelp someone in return for helptr.Rare
  • They agreed to backscratch to get their projects approved.
reciprocate
Add a suggestion |

Origin of backscratch

English, back (reverse) + scratch (to scrape)

Examples of backscratch in a sentence

  • In politics, backscratch is a common practice.
  • She felt a backscratch after the long hike.
  • The doctor examined the backscratch carefully.
  • He loves to backscratch his dog every evening.
  • Can you backscratch me while I read?
  • Politicians often backscratch to gain support for their bills.

View all translations of backscratch

Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
  1. French:renvoi d'ascenseur, gratter, ...
  2. German:Gefälligkeitstausch, rückenkraulen, ...
  3. Italian:scambio di favori, grattare la schiena, ...
  4. Spanish:compadreo, rascar, ...
  5. Portuguese:troca de favores, coçar as costas, ...
  6. Chinese:互惠互利, 挠, ...
  7. Japanese:お互いの助け合い, 背中を掻く, ...
  8. Arabic:تَبادُل المَصالِح, حَكَّ, ...
  9. Hebrew:חִלּוּפֵי טוֹבוֹת, לְהַקְלוֹת, ...
  10. Russian:обмен услугами, чесать, ...
  11. Ukrainian:обмін послугами, чухати, ...
  12. Hindi:एहसान का आदान-प्रदान, खुजलाना, ...
Browse the dictionary entries starting with “b”:

Discover how Reverso redefines the dictionary

Go beyond “simple words”

Get more than a simple definition

Go from understanding to mastery