English idiom

give and take

Register · Neutral CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

mutual compromise in which each side makes concessions

Why this phrase?

Cooperation is pictured as an exchange in which both sides give something and receive something.

Example

“A successful partnership requires patience and plenty of give and take.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

meet someone halfway

to compromise with someone

break someone's heart

To make someone feel deep emotional pain, often by ending a relationship.

ballpark figure

a rough estimate, not an exact number

break the ice

To do or say something that eases tension and gets people talking comfortably in an unfamiliar social situation.

bury the hatchet

to reconcile with someone and bring a quarrel to an end

drop someone a line

to get in touch by sending a short note, message, or email

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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