driven a wedge between
Created lasting division
To drive a wedge between people is to create division or hostility where there was once closeness or unity.
The image is of forcing apart two things that were joined, as a wedge splits wood.
His lies drove a wedge between the brothers.
The dispute has driven a wedge between longtime allies.
The phrase emphasizes deliberate or gradual estrangement rather than sudden rupture.
- argumentReasoned case or dispute
- subterfugeDeliberate deception to conceal
- factionalismDivision into opposing cliques
- estrangementEmotional separation between people
- cold shoulderIntentional dismissive treatment
polarization · gaslighting · misunderstanding · resentment · feud · turning against · tribalism · provoking · pitting against · playing both sides · exploiting · alienation · destabilization · discord · undermining · instigating · sabotage · partisanship