split the difference

1. Compromise between two close figures, divide the remainder equally. For example, You're asking $5,000 for the car and I'm offering $4,000; let's split the difference and make it $4,500. [c. 1700]

Example Sentences

“Tron: Ares” looks to split the difference: Mean-looking skyscraper-sized machines face off against Jared Leto.

From Los Angeles Times

Wyndham Clark hit a 65 to close on 11 under, Gotterup a 67 for -12 and English split the difference with a 66 to finish a shot better still in outright second.

From BBC

“I think they split the difference — going big on saying it used AI, and then going small on the description of how it did. It sent a signal that ‘AI is your friend’ to artists and listeners.

From Los Angeles Times

There’s really no way to split the difference here: The Musk camp sees the incoming president as an ally in eliminating burdensome regulations in pursuit of technology-boosted greatness and riches.

From Slate

How are enlisted service members supposed to split the difference while on the ground?

From Slate

Related Words

• agree 
• negotiate