split the baby
Neither side wins
Split the baby means to compromise by dividing something between two competing parties, often in a way that satisfies neither fully.
The phrase alludes to King Solomon's famous judgment, where he proposed cutting a disputed infant in half to reveal the true mother.
In modern use, it typically describes settlements, rulings, or decisions that give each side part of what they want: The jury split the baby, finding the company liable but awarding minimal damages.
- SolomonicSupremely wise in judgment
- meet halfwayConcede equally to agree
- judgmentReasoned decision-making capacity
- mediationIntervention to resolve conflict
- negotiationDiscussion seeking mutual accord
Solomon's wisdom · cut in half · compromise · no-win situation · resolution · half-measure · fair share · parable · division · middle ground · third way · allocation · moral dilemma · allegory · precedent · give-and-take · both sides · settlement
split the babytake a stand
Publicly commit to a position
choose sides · fish or cut bait · bite the bullet · put your foot down · draw a line in the sand
split, splits, splitting, splitter, baby, babies, babyish, babyhood