Phrase guide

give and take

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

A process of compromise or accommodation.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, uncountable

Examples

  • Near-synonyms: accommodation, compromise, concession, flexibility
  • They hoped for an amicable solution, but both knew it would require some give and take.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: accommodation, compromise, concession, flexibility

Antonyms: inflexibility, rigidity, stubbornness

2

verb

Meaning 2

make mutual concessions

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • In life you have to give and take

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: compromise

History

Etymology

First use appears c. 1769. See cite below.

Across languages

Translations

12 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Catalan: estira-i-arronsa — Translations
  • Finnish: kompromissi — Translations
  • Finnish: myönnytys — Translations
  • French: concessions — Translations
  • French: compromis — Translations
  • French: donnant donnant — Translations
  • German: Geben und Nehmen — Translations
  • Greek: πάρε δώσε (páre dóse) — Translations
  • Norwegian Bokmål: gi og ta — Translations
  • Polish: coś za coś — Translations
  • Portuguese: toma lá dá cá — Translations
  • Spanish: toma y daca — Translations