drift apart
Slowly lose closeness
To drift apart is to gradually become distant or estranged from someone, usually without deliberate intent.
The image is of two objects floating slowly away from each other: We didn't have a falling out—we just drifted apart after college.
The phrase typically describes relationships that weaken through neglect rather than conflict.
- fall awayGradually decrease or recede
- break offSeparate by snapping
- estrangeCause emotional separation
- split upSever a union
- disaffectCause loyalty to fade
go separate ways · separate · lose touch · disconnect · the silent treatment · disband · alienation · cut ties · distancing · incompatibility · withdraw · remoteness · long distance · erosion · divide · parting · ideological shift · goodbye