bridge the gap
Close the divide
To bridge the gap is to connect two things separated by difference or distance.
The gap may be literal—a ferry bridges the gap between the islands—but is usually figurative: bridging the gap between generations, between theory and practice, between rich and poor.
The phrase implies effort to overcome division or shortage.
Point of connection
- uniteBring together as one
- joinConnect or enlist
- bondBinding tie or connection
- tieEqual score, or neckwear
interface · junction · channel · conduit · liaison · network · corridor · passage
Facilitate agreement between disputants
- reconcileResolve a disagreement
- harmonizeBring into agreement
- resolveFirmness of purpose
- compromiseAgreement through mutual sacrifice
negotiate · diplomacy · peacemaking · arbitrate · settle · mend · repair · heal
Forward movement or promotion
- improvementPositive change in quality
- developmentProgress toward maturity
- breakthroughSudden important advance
- headwayForward progress achieved
stride · momentum · leap · evolution · growth · catch up · close · narrow
Joint intellectual work
- partnershipShared business arrangement
- allianceFormal union of parties
- teamworkJoint effort toward shared aim
- synergyCombined effect exceeding components
unity · joint effort · coalition · solidarity · collective · combined · coordinate · pool resources
Unequal distribution of resources
- divideSeparate into parts
- chasmDeep, steep-sided gap
- gulfPartially enclosed sea
- disconnectTo break a connection
discrepancy · imbalance · asymmetry · mismatch · shortfall · deficit · difference · distance
Mental understanding of meaning
- insightDeep perceptive understanding
- clarityState of being understandable
- awarenessState of perceiving reality
- empathySharing another's emotions
perspective · mutual understanding · common ground · cross-cultural · interpretation · communication · translate · decode
link
Point of connection
tie · interface · junction · channel · conduit · liaison · network · corridor · passage · span
mediate
Facilitate agreement between disputants
compromise · negotiate · diplomacy · peacemaking · arbitrate · settle · mend · repair · heal · restore
advancement
Forward movement or promotion
- improvementPositive change in quality
- developmentProgress toward maturity
- breakthroughSudden important advance
headway · stride · momentum · leap · evolution · growth · catch up · close · narrow · reduce
collaboration
Joint intellectual work
- partnershipShared business arrangement
- allianceFormal union of parties
- teamworkJoint effort toward shared aim
synergy · unity · joint effort · coalition · solidarity · collective · combined · coordinate · pool resources · share
inequality
Unequal distribution of resources
disconnect · discrepancy · imbalance · asymmetry · mismatch · shortfall · deficit · difference · distance · separation
comprehension
Mental understanding of meaning
- insightDeep perceptive understanding
- clarityState of being understandable
- awarenessState of perceiving reality
empathy · perspective · mutual understanding · common ground · cross-cultural · interpretation · communication · translate · decode · illuminate
- bridgesPonte Vecchio, Golden Gate, footbridge, viaduct, skybridge
- compromisecompromise, middle ground, meet halfway, give and take, give-and-take
- Understanding Othersknow someone, see through, figure out, size up, empathize
- unity phrasesall for one, one for all, united we stand, stronger together, all as one
- improvementget better, improvement, do better, enhance, make progress
bridge the gapdrive a wedge
Cause separation between parties
tear apart · split apart · fracture · polarize · alienate
bridge the gapalienate
Cause emotional distance
estrange · sow discord · burn bridges · fan the flames · pit against
bridge, bridges, bridging, gapped, bridged, bridgeless, bridgehead, bridgeable, gap-toothed