horse trade

• Négociation ou échange impliquant un marchandage habile, souvent où chaque partie fait des concessions pour parvenir à un accord mutuellement avantageux ; à l'origine, cela désignait le commerce des chevaux.

A negotiation or exchange involving shrewd bargaining, often where each party gives up something to reach a mutually beneficial agreement, originally referring to the trading of horses.

1. Political or business negotiationC1informalamerican

   A process of bargaining or exchanging concessions to reach a mutually acceptable agreement, often involving complex or shrewd dealings.

   marchandage

   • The two senators engaged in a horse trade to pass the bill.
   • The contract was finalized after weeks of horse trading between the companies.
   • Horse trading is common in international diplomacy.

2. Literal trading of horsesB2formal

   The historical practice of buying, selling, or exchanging horses, often involving skilled negotiation.

   commerce de chevaux

   • The farmer made a living through horse trade at the local market.
   • Horse trade was a vital part of the economy in the 19th century.
   • He learned the art of horse trade from his father.