meet halfway

USAGE SUMMARY

"meet halfway" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation in which two people or parties agree to compromise or come to an agreement which is a balanced solution for both sides. For example, "The two parties agreed to meet halfway and split the cost of the repairs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

"I'm willing to meet halfway.

The New York Times

She hurries back and they meet halfway.

The New Yorker

"We will have to meet halfway".

The New York Times

"We have to appear to meet halfway," Noesner said.

The New Yorker

And they meet halfway in a manner that is electrifying.

The New York Times

If she's home, she'll enter the park at 69th Street and we meet halfway.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

"Everybody met halfway in that film.

The New York Times

Finally, I started down on my own and was met halfway by a host.

The New York Times - Food

We, at this point, don't feel we have been met halfway.

The New York Times

"My age kind of regressed and his got a little bit older, and we sort of met halfway".

The New York Times - Books

I went very far with what I wanted to achieve for this country, in this deal, and unfortunately I wasn't met halfway".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing negotiations or disputes, use "meet halfway" to show willingness for both parties to cede ground and find a mutually satisfactory solution.

Common error

Avoid using "meet halfway" when one party is expected to bear a disproportionate burden; the phrase implies a roughly equal division of effort or compromise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "meet halfway" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It signifies the act of compromising or making mutual concessions to reach an agreement. As shown by Ludwig, it's often used in contexts where parties need to resolve differences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Wiki

16%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "meet halfway" is an idiomatic expression that signifies a willingness to compromise and find common ground. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in News & Media. It implies mutual concessions and a shared effort to reach a solution. Understanding the contexts in which "meet halfway" is appropriately used can enhance clarity and effectiveness in communication. It's important to avoid implying equal effort is being made when one party disproportionately benefits. Alternative phrases like "find a compromise" or "reach an agreement" can be used to describe similar situations with subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

find a compromise

Emphasizes the act of discovering an agreement that satisfies both parties.

reach an agreement

Focuses on the outcome of the negotiation process, highlighting the achievement of consensus.

strike a balance

Highlights the idea of evenly distributing benefits or concessions between parties.

find common ground

Emphasizes the discovery of shared interests or beliefs that can facilitate agreement.

come to terms

Focuses on the acceptance of certain conditions or concessions to finalize an agreement.

settle differences

Highlights the resolution of conflicting opinions or interests.

make concessions

Focuses on the act of giving up something to reach an agreement.

give and take

Emphasizes the reciprocal exchange of concessions between parties.

split the difference

Specifically refers to dividing a disputed amount equally.

accommodate each other

Highlights the mutual willingness to adapt to the other party's needs.

FAQs

How can I use "meet halfway" in a sentence?

You can use "meet halfway" to describe situations where parties compromise, such as, "The buyer and seller agreed to "meet halfway" on the price of the house".

What does it mean to "meet halfway"?

To "meet halfway" means that two or more parties involved in a disagreement each make concessions to reach a compromise that is acceptable to everyone involved.

Which is more appropriate, "meet halfway" or "find a compromise"?

"Meet halfway" and "find a compromise" are often interchangeable, but "meet halfway" implies a more equal distribution of concessions, whereas "find a compromise" is a more general term.

What are some situations where you might need to "meet halfway"?

Situations requiring you to "meet halfway" include negotiating prices, settling disputes, or making joint decisions where different parties have conflicting interests.