# parting of the ways

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/parting-of-the-ways
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

a separation of two things or people because of a disagreement, a point of divergence, especially an important one

## Examples

- We had a disagreement and reached a parting of the ways.
- After years of working together, the business partners reached a parting of the ways due to their different visions for the company.
- Following a fundamental shift in their core values, the two long-term allies reached a definitive parting of the ways, effectively ending their political partnership.

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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.