back and forth

Definitions

1. The movement (of someone or something) forward followed by a return to the same position. May refer to a concept such as an emotional state or a relationship as well as a physical thing.
   countable, uncountable
2. Negotiations or discussions (not necessarily fruitful) between two or more parties; a dialog.
   countable, uncountable

Equivalents

Examples

“Roll the ball to your child, who then rolls it back to you. After a few back-and-forths, roll the ball to a nearby corner of the room or other hiding place⟳.”

“There's some back and forth between Simpson and his CIA counterparts and, in essence, the CIA says that you must ship all of the quantities requested.”

“It was months and months of back and forth, ah-ah, ah-ah You're still all over me like⟳ a wine-stained dress I can't wear⟳ anymore”

CEFR level