split the difference

Definitions

1. 1

   In a financial transaction, to settle on an amount midway between the offer and the…

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

   • My new brother-in-law Allen told me I should ought to give the preist $5 and I thought it should be about $2 the same as the license so I split the difference and give him $3.50.
2. 2

   To choose an option or take a position roughly midway between two opposed alternatives

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

   • Dolly suggested that they should meet at the club at 4 p.m. Sir Felix had named noon, and promised to call at Dolly's lodgings. They split the difference at last and agreed to start at two.
   • Expert advice to him from many sources varied between 5 ft. and 5 ft. 6 in. He split the difference at 5 ft. 3 in., which was fixed by Act of August 18, 1856, as the standard for Ireland.

The neighborhood

• neighborsplitsies
• neighborsplit the baby