Adversity makes strange bedfellows

Definitions

unexpected or unusual alliances
Refers to the idea that in difficult or challenging circumstances, people may come together and form partnerships or friendships that would not normally occur. This can be due to a shared struggle or a common enemy, and the alliances formed are often temporary and may dissolve once the adversity has passed.
difficult situations can bring unlikely people together
Suggests that adversity can create unexpected connections between individuals who may have different backgrounds, beliefs, or opinions. It emphasizes the idea that in times of hardship, people may put aside their differences and work towards a common goal or support each other.

Examples of Adversity makes strange bedfellows

During the economic crisis, the rival companies in the industry had to put aside their differences and work together to survive.

This idiom is used to describe how unexpected circumstances can force people or organizations that are normally opposed to each other to form alliances or partnerships. In this example, the economic crisis created a situation where the rival companies had to collaborate in order to overcome the adversity and survive.
In the aftermath of the natural disaster, the government and the opposition party came together to provide relief and rebuild the affected areas.

This idiom is used to describe how extreme circumstances can cause people or groups with opposing views to temporarily put aside their differences and work towards a common goal. In this example, the disaster created a situation where the government and the opposition party had to cooperate in order to provide aid and rebuild the affected areas.
In the cut-throat world of politics, unlikely alliances are formed in order to achieve common goals.

This idiom is used to describe how political expediency can lead to unexpected partnerships. In this example, the competitive nature of politics can sometimes force individuals or parties to form alliances with unlikely partners in order to achieve their goals.
In the midst of the pandemic, people from all walks of life came together to support each other and overcome the adversity.

This idiom is used to describe how a shared experience can bring people together and foster unexpected partnerships. In this example, the pandemic created a situation where people from different backgrounds and perspectives had to come together in order to support each other and overcome the adversity.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the community came together to provide support and rebuild.

This idiom is used to describe how a shared experience can bring people together and foster a sense of community. In this example, the tragedy created a situation where the community had to come together in order to provide support and rebuild.

Conclusion

The idiom "adversity makes strange bedfellows" is typically used to describe the formation of unusual or unexpected partnerships or alliances during challenging times. It can also convey the idea that difficult situations can reveal unexpected similarities or connections between people who may not have otherwise interacted. Overall, the phrase highlights the concept of unlikely and temporary relationships that are forged in the face of adversity.

Origin of "Adversity makes strange bedfellows"

The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the 16th century play "The Tempest" by William Shakespeare. In the play, two unlikely characters, Trinculo and Caliban, end up forming a partnership due to being stranded on an island together. This idea of strange alliances being formed in difficult circumstances is reflected in the phrase "misery acquaints a man with strange bedfellows" spoken by Trinculo.

Over time, the phrase evolved to its current form, and it is now used to describe various situations where unexpected connections are formed due to adversity. This could include political alliances, partnerships in business or education, or even friendships that are formed during difficult times.

The use of the word "bedfellows" also adds a touch of humor to the phrase, as it is a term often used to refer to romantic partners. This adds an element of irony to the phrase, as it suggests that adversity can bring together people who may not necessarily get along under normal circumstances.