Scratch your back Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈskɹætʃ/ /ˈjɔɹ/, /ˈjʊɹ/ /ˈbæk

SKRATCH yor BACK or SKRATCH yer BACK

UK

skɹˈætʃ/ /jˈɔː/ /bˈæk

skr-ATCH yor BACK

Definition

Literally, 'scratch your back' means to use your hand or something to relieve an itch on your back. As an expression, it means to help or do a favor for someone, often expecting that they will help you in return.

Usage & Nuances

Can be used literally or in the idiom 'I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine.' The expression usually suggests a mutual exchange of favors, and can imply self-interest. The literal meaning is simply about relieving an itch.

• Spanish: rascarte la espalda - ayudarte (expresión) - hacerte un favor
• Portuguese (BR): coçar suas costas - ajudar você (expressão) - fazer um favor
• Portuguese (PT): coçar as tuas costas - ajudar-te (expressão) - fazer-te um favor
• Chinese (Simplified): 挠你的背 - 帮你（表达）- 帮你一个忙
• Chinese (Traditional): 搔你的背 - 幫你（表達）- 幫你一個忙
• Hindi: आपकी पीठ खुजाना - आपकी मदद करना (अभिव्यक्ति) - उपकार करना
• Arabic: أحك ظهرك - أساعدك (تعبير) - أقدم لك معروفًا
• Bengali: পিঠ চুলকানো - পরস্পরের উপকার করা
• Russian: чесать себе спину - делать одолжение (в ожидании взаимной услуги)
• Japanese: 背中をかく - お互いに助け合う（見返りを期待して）
• Vietnamese: gãi lưng - giúp đỡ lẫn nhau (mong chờ được giúp lại)
• Korean: 등을 긁다 - 서로 돕다 (대가를 바라고)
• Turkish: sırtını kaşımak - çıkar için birbirine yardım etmek
• Urdu: پیٹھ کھجانا - ایک دوسرے کی مدد کرنا (مفاد کے لئے)
• Indonesian: menggaruk punggung - saling membantu (dengan harapan dibalas)

Example Sentences

Can you scratch your back by yourself?

basic

Sometimes it's hard to scratch your back without help.

basic

I will scratch your back if you help me with my homework.

basic

We all know the saying, 'If you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours.'

natural

He offered to scratch her back at work so she'd support his idea later.

natural

Politicians love to scratch each other's backs when it comes to favors.

natural