split the baby
To resolve a dispute in a way that is disadvantageous to both parties.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The judge decided to split the baby to end the argument.”
“Instead of choosing one winner, the manager tried to split the baby, leaving both employees unhappy with the result.”
“By attempting to split the baby in the contract negotiations, the mediator inadvertently ensured that neither company walked away satisfied with the final terms.”
In reference to the Judgment of Solomon.
- 01
babies in the eyes
The minute reflection which one sees of oneself in the eyes of another.
- 02
baby and bathwater
Used in reference to an error in which something valuable is discarded in the process of removing or rejecting something unwanted.
- 03
baby elephant in the room
An obvious but mostly inconsequential issue.
- 04
baby step
A small effort made towards the completion of a much larger task.
- 05
baby up
To treat as a baby.
- 06
basin of gravy
[Cockney slang]baby
- 07
be left holding the baby
To be left with the responsibility of resolving a problem.
- 08
black babies
Third-world charities, the missions.
Last updated August 10, 2026