Claw me, and I will claw you.

A person offers to speak well of someone in return for the same treatment. Praise becomes part of a bargain rather than an independent judgment.

The exchange can also involve favours. The saying may have a critical edge when people support each other for the benefit they expect in return, whether or not the praise is deserved.

Use it to describe people who trade compliments or favours for mutual benefit, especially when their praise seems motivated by what they will receive in return.