back-and-forth

Noun

back and forth (countable and uncountable, plural back and forths)

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.
   • 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.2009, Dorothy Rich with Beverly Mattox, Megaskills for Babies, Toddlers, and Beyond: Building Your Child's Happiness, page 43
2. Negotiations or discussions (not necessarily fruitful) between two or more parties; a dialog.
   • 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.1895, United States Congress, “Congressional serial set”, in (Please provide the book title or journal name), volume 11214, page 718

   Synonyms:

   tug of war

See all 6 meanings of back and forth