Meet halfway

Meaning

The idiom "meet halfway" means to agree or reach a mutual understanding on a compromise that meets each person's needs equally, without one party feeling like they have given more than the other. It can also refer to a situation where both parties are required to contribute an equal amount of effort or resources to achieve a common goal.

Usage

• "We were able to meet halfway on our project proposal and agreed to split the work evenly." (literal)
• "I'm willing to meet halfway with you on this issue, but I still think my position is valid." (figurative)
• "The negotiations between the two countries resulted in a meeting halfway agreement that satisfied both sides." (literal)
• "My partner and I had different ideas for our vacation destination, but we decided to meet halfway by choosing a city that was equidistant from both of our homes." (literal)
• "I'm not willing to compromise my values just to meet halfway with you on this matter." (figurative) The usage of the idiom can vary depending on the context, such as whether it is being used in a literal or figurative sense. It can also depend on the specific needs and values of the individuals involved. In some cases, meeting halfway may be seen as a positive outcome that allows both parties to feel satisfied with the agreement, while in others, it may be viewed as a compromise that sacrifices one person's needs for the sake of the other.

Roots and History

The exact origin of the idiom "meet halfway" is unclear, but it has been used in English since at least the 18th century. It may have originally referred to situations where physical distance or time constraints forced people to meet halfway between two locations, leading to a compromise that satisfied both parties. Over time, the idiom evolved to refer to any situation where both parties are required to contribute an equal amount of effort or resources to achieve a common goal.

Synonyms in English

• Compromise
• Find common ground
• Negotiate
• Reach a middle ground
• Agree on terms

Synonyms in other languages

• "Compromesso" (Italian) - meaning "compromise" or "agreement"
• "Akommodation" (French) - meaning "accommodation" or "resolution"
• "Waffenvogel" (German) - meaning "waffle" or "compromise"
• "Compromiso" (Spanish) - meaning "compromise" or "agreement"
• "Concessão" (Portuguese) - meaning "concession" or "compromise"

Similar Idioms

• anything but

• make a long story short

• cut both ways