English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Make common cause
Meaning
The idiom "make common cause" means to join forces or combine efforts for a common goal or purpose. It can also mean to act in concert or unison, to coordinate one's activities with another person or group for a shared objective.
Usage
- After years of feuding with their neighbors, the two families decided to make common cause and work together to build a community center that would benefit everyone.
- The workers at the factory realized that they had more in common than they thought, so they made common cause and formed a union to bargain for better wages and working conditions.
- Despite their differences in opinion, the political parties put aside their animosity and made common cause to pass a historic piece of legislation.
- The artists in the gallery show decided to make common cause and organize a group exhibition that would showcase their work to a wider audience.
- As the storm approached, the hikers on the mountain realized that they needed to make common cause and seek shelter together to survive the harsh weather conditions.
Roots and History
The idiom "make common cause" has its roots in medieval English law, where it was used to describe a group of people who joined together to prosecute or defend against a legal action. The term "common cause" refers to a shared interest or objective that brings people together to work towards a common goal. Over time, the idiom has evolved to refer to any situation where individuals or groups come together to achieve a shared purpose.
Synonyms in English
- Join forces
- Coordinate efforts
- Act in concert
- Work together
- Collaborate
Synonyms in other languages
- Español: Unir fuerzas
- Français: Travailler ensemble
- German: Zusammenarbeit
- Italian: Lavorare insieme
- Spanish: Trabajar juntos