What does “Meet someone halfway” mean?
"Meet someone halfway" means to reach a compromise or agreement by both parties making equal concessions.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After a long discussion, we decided to meet halfway and split the cost of the project.
Example
They couldn't agree on a restaurant, so they decided to meet halfway and try a new place.
Example
In order to resolve the conflict, both sides had to meet halfway and find a solution that worked for everyone
Is “Meet someone halfway” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Meet someone halfway” 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 “Meet someone halfway” effectively in context?
You can use "Meet someone halfway" to suggest finding a compromise or agreement by both parties making equal concessions. It emphasizes the idea of meeting in the middle and finding a solution that satisfies everyone involved. For example, if two friends are trying to decide on a movie to watch, but have different preferences, you might say, 'Let's meet halfway and choose a genre that we both enjoy.'
- 1Negotiation
After a long discussion, they decided to meet halfway and split the cost of the project.
- 2Decision Making
They couldn't agree on a restaurant, so they decided to meet halfway and try a new place.
- 3Conflict Resolution
In order to resolve the conflict, both sides had to meet halfway and find a solution that worked for everyone.
Similar phrases to “Meet someone halfway”:
Strike a balance
To find a middle ground or compromise between two extremes
Example
In order to maintain a healthy lifestyle, it's important to strike a balance between work and leisure.
Compromise
To settle a dispute by making concessions or finding a middle ground
Example
In order to reach an agreement, both parties had to be willing to compromise.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Meet someone halfway” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Meet someone halfway" is unknown.
Is “Meet someone halfway” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Meet someone halfway" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used when discussing negotiations, decision making, or conflict resolution.
What tone does “Meet someone halfway” have?
"Meet someone halfway" conveys a tone of cooperation and willingness to find a mutually beneficial solution. It suggests a positive and collaborative approach to resolving differences.
Can “Meet someone halfway” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "meet someone halfway" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in various contexts. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as business negotiations or professional discussions.
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, 'They couldn't agree on a restaurant, so they decided to meet halfway and try a new place.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Let's "meet halfway"!' to suggest finding a compromise.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
- stand one's ground
- refuse to budge
- be inflexible
- insist on one's way
- refuse to compromise
