reach across the aisle
Bridge political divides
Reach across the aisle means to seek cooperation with political opponents, from the physical aisle separating parties in legislative chambers.
The phrase implies setting aside partisan differences to find common ground: She's known for reaching across the aisle on immigration reform.
Often used approvingly, though critics may see it as naive compromise.
- bipartisanshipCooperation between political rivals
- bipartisan billLaw supported across parties
- common groundPoints of agreement
- find common groundIdentify shared perspectives
- mutual respectTwo-way esteem between parties
meet in the middle · compromise · empathy · reconciliation · trust-building · inclusivity · political unity · peace talks · coalition-building · problem-solving · mediation · conflict management · collective action · arbitration · dispute resolution · working together · centrist · social cohesion
- campaign jargonstump speech, talking points, sound bites, soundbite, soundbites
reach across the aislestonewall
Refuse to cooperate
obstruct · block · filibuster · dig in one's heels · play hardball
reach across the aislepartisan warfare
Irregular resistance combat
hyperpartisanship · tribalism · circle the wagons · preach to the choir · double down
reach across the aislepolarize
Split into opposition
divide · partisan warfare · tribalism · hyperpartisanship · preach to the choir