You play ball with us and we'll play ball with you

[Bushwhacker]

At classic movie The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner by Tony Richardson, borstal governor has a motto that sounds like mockery:

"You play ball with us and we'll play ball with you"

It seems more hard to caught all the nuances that is apparent. Please could you tell me all the meanings, taking into account that there is a football play between in the plot and an Idiom with "play ball" or the like?

Thank You

[Anglika]

Nothing to do with football. Another idiom, "You scratch my back and I'll scratch your back!"

It means quid pro quo = if you behave as we would like, we will treat you well.

[amigos4]

Originally Posted by Bushwhacker

At classic movie The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner by Tony Richardson, borstal governor has a motto that sounds like mockery:

"You play ball with us and we'll play ball with you"

It seems more hard to caught all the nuances that is apparent. Please could you tell me all the meanings, taking into account that there is a football play between in the plot and an Idiom with "play ball" or the like?

Thank You

Hi, Bushwhacker!

"You scratch my back and I'll scratch your back!"
"You take care of my friends and I'll take care of your friends!"
"You play ball with us and we'll play ball with you."

These are all examples of something that is provided with the expectation of receiving something in return. The Latin term for this type of arrangement is quid pro quo - - 'what for what'.

Quid pro quo involves a reciprocal mutual consideration whereby one party gives a concession to another in exchange for an equally valuable concession.

I hope this helps explain the contextual meaning of "You play ball with us and we'll play ball with you."

Cheers,
Amigo

[amigos4]

Once again, my typing skills leave a lot to be desired! Thank you, Anglika, for stating quickly what took me an eternity to type!

Amigo