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Region: General | Usage example: They split the difference and agreed on a compromise price.

Split the difference

Meaning

Meet in the middle between two positions.

Usage

Used when both parties concede equally.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Negotiations often halved gaps, mathematically splitting differences.

Used in 20th-century diplomatic and business contexts.

Related Idioms

Split hairs

Argue over trivial differences.

On the fence

Undecided between options.

Between a rock and a hard place

Stuck between two negative options.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.