What does “Divide and rule.” mean?
"Divide and rule" means that by creating division or conflict among people, one can maintain their dominance over them.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The government uses the tactic of divide and rule to maintain control over the population.
Example
The dictator employed the strategy of divide and rule to weaken any potential opposition.
Example
The company manager implemented a policy of divide and rule to prevent employees from uniting and demanding better working conditions
Is “Divide and rule.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Divide and rule.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Divide and rule.” effectively in context?
You can use "Divide and Rule" to describe a strategy used by those in power to keep others under control. It emphasizes the idea that by creating division or conflict among people, one can maintain their dominance over them. For example, if someone is discussing a political situation where the government is intentionally causing conflicts among different ethnic or religious groups to weaken opposition, they might say, 'The ruling party is using the tactic of divide and rule to maintain control over the population.'
- 1Politics
The politician employed the strategy of divide and rule to create divisions among the voters and secure his position.
- 2Workplace
The manager implemented a policy of divide and rule to prevent employees from uniting and demanding better working conditions.
- 3Social Dynamics
The bully used the tactic of divide and rule to turn friends against each other and maintain control over the group.
Similar phrases to “Divide and rule.”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Divide and rule.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Divide and Rule" can be traced back to ancient times, but it gained prominence during the era of European colonialism. It was a strategy employed by colonizers to maintain control over their territories by creating divisions among the native populations. By pitting different groups against each other, the colonizers could effectively rule over them.
Is “Divide and rule.” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Divide and Rule" is a well-known proverb that is often used in everyday conversation. It is commonly used to describe situations where those in power manipulate or exploit divisions among people to maintain control.
What tone does “Divide and rule.” have?
"Divide and Rule" conveys a tone of caution and criticism. It is often used to highlight the negative consequences of creating divisions among people for the purpose of maintaining power.
Can “Divide and rule.” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Divide and Rule" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a widely recognized proverb that describes a specific strategy used by those in power. You can use it in conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal discussions, presentations, or written pieces.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The government employed the strategy of divide and rule to maintain control over the population.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'They're using divide and rule again!' to express disapproval of a manipulative tactic.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- divide and conquer
- us vs. them
- wedge issue
- manipulate and control
- create divisions
Antonyms
- build bridges
- unite and empower
- promote harmony
- foster cooperation
- encourage solidarity
