Phrase guide

split the difference

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

In a financial transaction, to settle on an amount midway between the offer and the asking price.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: meet halfway

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To choose an option or take a position roughly midway between two opposed alternatives; to compromise.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: broadly, idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: meet halfway

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

6 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: panna riita halki — in a financial transaction
  • Finnish: panna puoliväliin — in a financial transaction
  • Finnish: pistää puoliväliin — in a financial transaction
  • French: couper la poire en deux — in a financial transaction
  • Finnish: panna riita halki — to compromise
  • French: couper la poire en deux — to compromise