part ways

Go different directions

To part ways is to separate or go in different directions, either literally or figuratively.

Two hikers might part ways at a fork in the trail.

More often the phrase describes ending a relationship or association: The band parted ways with their drummer after creative differences.

It suggests a mutual or amicable separation rather than a dramatic break.

separation

disengage

Break free from attachment

disconnectTo break a connection
detachTo separate from
severCut apart completely

dissociate · disentangle · uncouple · decouple · unhook · disjoin · distance · isolate · disband · disperse

ending

breakup

Romantic relationship's termination

separationState of being apart
divorceLegal end of matrimony
splitSeparation into parts

farewell · goodbye · departure · leave-taking · dissolution · estrangement · rift · rupture · severance · discontinuation

divergence

fork

Tined eating tool

branchDivision or woody limb
bifurcationDivision into two branches
divergeSeparate into directions

veer · deviate · split off · divaricate · ramify · diversify · crossroads · turning point

Categories

separationsseparate, split, break up, sever, disconnect
quittingquit, resign, resignation, stop, end
defectiondefection, defect, defector, turncoat, desertion

Opposites

SEPARATION vs. UNION

part wayscome together

Gather into one group

unite · join together · join forces · get together · team up

DIVERGENCE vs. CONVERGENCE

part waysconverge

Meet at a point

meet · cross paths · come together · intersect · join

conflict resolution

part waysreconcile

Resolve a disagreement

make up · reunite · patch things up · bury the hatchet · mend fences

Family

part, party, partner, apart, ways, parts, parting, depart, partial

Familiarity: Top 50,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G