PhrasesHub

parted ways

    Definitions

      • end a relationship or association
        To indicate that two or more people or groups have decided to stop working together or being in a relationship

      • disagree or have conflicting opinions
        To express that two or more parties have differing views or cannot come to an agreement on a particular matter

    Examples of parted ways

    • Jane and Tom had been best friends since childhood, but as they grew older, their career paths diverged. After graduation, they both pursued their dreams but eventually parted ways as Jane moved to New York to work in finance, while Tom decided to backpack around South America to find himself.

      The idiom "parted ways" is used here to describe how Jane and Tom separated and went their own paths after previously being together or in a similar situation. It highlights the natural evolution of their relationship as their circumstances changed and they chose to follow different directions in life.

    • The two companies, which had been strategic partners for many years, announced their decision to part ways due to differences in business strategies and goals.

      This example demonstrates how the expression "parted ways" can be used in a business context to indicate the end of a collaboration between two entities. It conveys that both parties have agreed to separate and go their own paths, possibly due to conflicting objectives or changing circumstances.

    • My sister and I have been raised in the same household, but as we grew older, our personalities clashed, and we gradually parted ways when it came to our hobbies and interests.

      Here, "parted ways" is used to explain how two people who were once closely bonded started to diverge due to their individual preferences and character traits. It suggests that while they might have started off with similar aspirations or experiences, the development of their unique identities ultimately caused them to go separate ways.

    • After the heated argument between the two colleagues, they decided to part ways and avoid any further communication until it was necessary for work.

      In this example, "parted ways" is being used to describe how two people came to a mutual agreement to distance themselves from each other after a disagreement. It conveys that they have decided not to interact until it is essential for the completion of a task, implying that they will avoid each other until necessary because they are not currently on good terms.

    • Maya and Alex decided to part ways after their business partnership became strained due to differing opinions and goals.

      In this example, "parted ways" is used to describe the end of Maya and Alex's business partnership. It means that they chose to separate or go their own ways because they could no longer work together effectively.

    • Emma and Ryan had been in a long-distance relationship for years, but eventually, they parted ways due to the distance becoming too much of a strain on their relationship.

      In this example, "parted ways" is used to describe the end of Emma and Ryan's relationship. It means that they chose to separate because they could no longer maintain the relationship due to the distance between them.

    • After completing their studies, Sarah and Tom parted ways in different directions, with Sarah pursuing a career in law and Tom moving abroad to teach English.

      In this example, "parted ways" is used to describe the different paths Sarah and Tom chose to follow after completing their studies. It means that they separated and went their own ways, pursuing different opportunities in life.

    • The two countries parted ways politically when they had different views on diplomacy and foreign relations.

      In this final example, "parted ways" is used to describe the end of a political relationship between two countries. It means that the countries chose to separate and no longer work cooperatively because they had differing political views.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "parted ways" is commonly used to denote the ending of a relationship or association, whether it be personal or professional. It can also be used to indicate a disagreement or conflicting opinions between individuals or groups. In both cases, it signifies a divergence or separation in paths or opinions.

    Origin of "parted ways"

    The origin of the idiom "parted ways" can be traced back to Old English, where the word "part" meant to divide or separate. Over time, the phrase evolved to convey the concept of two or more entities going their separate ways. The idiom gained popularity in the English language as a metaphorical way to describe the ending of relationships or the divergence of opinions. Its usage has become ingrained in everyday language, and it continues to be a widely used expression in modern English.

    Examples of the idiom "parted ways" can be found in literature and historical documents, illustrating its longstanding presence in the English language. Its simple yet evocative nature has made it a go-to phrase for conveying the ending of relationships or the existence of conflicting opinions.