# cross the aisle

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/cross-the-aisle
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To vote, unite, or otherwise co-operate with members of another political party in order to achieve governmental or political action.

## Examples

- The senator decided to cross the aisle to support the new law.
- To pass the budget before the deadline, the representatives had to cross the aisle and work with the opposition.
- Despite the deep ideological divide in the capital, a small group of legislators chose to cross the aisle, prioritizing national stability over partisan loyalty.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.