tit for tat
idiom
An action done in return for a similar action received
- 1When he ignored her calls, she did the same as tit for tat.
- 2After the prank, they decided to play tit for tat and prank him back.
If someone does something to you, and you do the same thing back to them, this is called giving back what you got. For example, if a friend shares their snack with you, and later you share your snack with them, you are returning the same favor.
People often use "tit for tat" when talking about arguments between siblings, where one child does something and the other quickly does the same thing back.
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in a waiting room
A Fair Exchange
Cynthia
Remember when you helped me with my project last month?
Sarah
Of course, it was no trouble at all.
Cynthia
Well, I brought you some homemade cookies as a tit for tat.
Sarah
That's so sweet of you! I love a fair exchange.
at a car showroom
Negotiation Tactics
Michael
I see you lowered the price after I agreed to buy the extra warranty.
Sharon
Yes, it's a bit of tit for tat.
Michael
I appreciate that. It feels fair.
Sharon
Glad we could make it work for both of us.
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Similar to "tit for tat":
- 1reciprocity
- 2retaliation