English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
A house divided against itself cannot stand
Meaning
The idiom "a house divided against itself cannot stand" refers to a situation where there is internal strife, conflict or division within an organization or group that leads to its downfall. It means that if a group of people have different opinions and goals, it becomes difficult for them to work together towards a common goal and ultimately the group fails.
Usage
- The team was divided on how to approach the project, which led to delays and eventually their failure.
- The family's differences over financial matters caused a rift that left the house divided.
- After years of internal politics within the company, it finally collapsed under the weight of its own divisions.
- The political party was torn apart by infighting and personal ambitions, leading to their defeat in the elections.
- The couple's disagreements over important issues such as childcare and finances caused them to separate and eventually divorce.
Roots and History
The origin of this idiom dates back to the Biblical story of King David, who had divided his kingdom into two after his son Absalom rebelled against him. The prophet Nathan warned David that a house divided against itself cannot stand, which eventually came true when Absalom was killed and the kingdom was reunited under David's rule.
Synonyms in English
- A divided house is a weak house
- A house of cards is about to fall
- A split decision does not always lead to success
- A united front is necessary for success
- A disunited team will not win the game
Synonyms in other languages
- Spanish - La casa dividida no puede estar en pie (The divided house cannot stand)
- French - La maison divisée ne peut pas tenir (The divided house cannot hold)
- German - Das Haus, das sich gegenseitig teilt, kann nicht stehen (The house that divides itself cannot stand)
- Italian - La casa che si divide non ha vita (The house that divides itself has no life)
- Japanese - 分れた家は積腐の家になります (A divided family becomes a corrupt family)