ENGLISH
REFERENCE

split the difference

idiom
Meaning

To choose an option or take a position roughly midway between two opposed alternatives; to compromise.


Examples
SIMPLE

The price is too high, so let's split the difference.

CONTEXTUAL

We could not agree on a meeting time, so we decided to split the difference and meet at noon.

COMPLEX

Rather than continuing their long argument over the budget, the two managers agreed to split the difference to ensure the project could move forward.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    make a difference

    To carry out an action, the result of which is a significant change, or an altered circumstance.

  2. 02

    make all the difference

    To be a crucial or deciding factor; to have a very significant effect (often a positive one).

  3. 03

    make like a banana and split

    To leave, depart.

  4. 04

    same difference

    A distinction which makes no difference; a distinction which does not matter.

  5. 05

    split hairs

    Tedious details; minutiae.

  6. 06

    split on a rock

    To completely fail in one's attempt

  7. 07

    split one's sides

    To laugh hysterically.

  8. 08

    split the baby

    To resolve a dispute in a way that is disadvantageous to both parties.

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