Advertisement

Advertisement

scratch someone's back



Discover More

Idioms and Phrases

Do someone a favor in hopes that a favor will be returned. For example, I don't mind driving this time—she's scratched my back plenty of times . It also is put as you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours , as in If you do the laundry I'll do the cooking—you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours . This idiom was first recorded in 1704.

Advertisement

Word of the Day

tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

Meaning and examples

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement