build bridges
Create mutual understanding
Build bridges is to establish connections or improve relationships between people or groups who are divided or in conflict.
The metaphor treats understanding as something that spans a gap: The summit aimed to build bridges between the two nations.
Someone who builds bridges seeks common ground rather than deepening divisions.
Joint effort toward shared aim
- partnershipShared business arrangement
- allianceFormal union of parties
- cooperationJoint action toward shared aims
- synergyCombined effect exceeding components
coalition · networking · consensus · liaison · interdependence · outreach
Restoration of health
- forgivenessReleasing resentment toward offenders
- amendsCompensation for wrongdoing
- understandingMental comprehension of something
- peaceFreedom from disturbance
compromise · apology · rapprochement · detente · truce · accord · reparation · conciliation
Connected system of parts
- networkInterconnected system
- interchangeReciprocal transfer between parties
- integrationCombining into a whole
- bondBinding tie or connection
relationship · rapport · trust · communication · understanding · empathy · outreach · engagement
Discussion seeking mutual accord
- dialogueSpoken exchange between parties
- mediationIntervention to resolve conflict
- treatyBinding pact between nations
- summitPeak or diplomatic gathering
envoy · ambassador · bilateral · multilateral · statesmanship · delegation · protocol
Distance between endpoints
- archCurved spanning structure
- trussLoad-bearing beam arrangement
- cantileverBeam supported one end
- suspensionTemporary halt or exclusion
beam · girder · viaduct · footbridge · overpass · trestle · causeway · flyover
teamwork
Joint effort toward shared aim
- partnershipShared business arrangement
- allianceFormal union of parties
- cooperationJoint action toward shared aims
synergy · coalition · networking · consensus · liaison · interdependence · outreach
healing
Restoration of health
- forgivenessReleasing resentment toward offenders
- amendsCompensation for wrongdoing
- understandingMental comprehension of something
peace · compromise · apology · rapprochement · detente · truce · accord · reparation · conciliation · settlement
linkage
Connected system of parts
- networkInterconnected system
- interchangeReciprocal transfer between parties
- integrationCombining into a whole
bond · relationship · rapport · trust · communication · understanding · empathy · outreach · engagement · community
negotiation
Discussion seeking mutual accord
- dialogueSpoken exchange between parties
- mediationIntervention to resolve conflict
- treatyBinding pact between nations
summit · envoy · ambassador · bilateral · multilateral · statesmanship · delegation · protocol
span
Distance between endpoints
- archCurved spanning structure
- trussLoad-bearing beam arrangement
- cantileverBeam supported one end
suspension · beam · girder · viaduct · footbridge · overpass · trestle · causeway · flyover · aqueduct
- constructionconstruction site, hammer, beam, beams, concrete
- negotiationbargaining, bargain, negotiate, mediation, compromise
- apologiessorry, forgive me, my mistake, mea culpa, sincere apology
- power idiomspull strings, hold sway, call the shots, throw weight around, power play
- teamworkteamwork, co-op mode, collaborate, team games, assists
build bridgesburn bridges
End relationships irreparably
cut ties · drive a wedge · alienate · estrange · isolate
build bridgesfan the flames
Deliberately worsen a dispute
stir up trouble · sow discord · polarize · antagonize · provoke
build bridgesput up barriers
build, bridge, building, built, builder, rebuild, rebuilt, builds, bridging