礼尚往来 lǐ shàng wǎng lái

DEFINITIONS

  1. lit. proper behavior is based on reciprocity (idiom)
  2. fig. to return politeness for politeness

CHARACTERS

礼 lǐ social custom; manners; courtesy
尚 shàng still, yet; even; fairly, rather
往 wǎng go, depart; past, formerly
来 lái come, coming; return, returning