Split/divide something down the middle
verb phrase
To divide something into two equal parts.
She split the sandwich down the middle so each of us could have a half.
Often appears as...
- split the bread down the middle
- split the bill down the middle
verb phrase
To disagree strongly about something with no clear solution or agreement.
The proposal to build a new stadium has split the town down the middle.
Often appears as...
- split the community down the middle
- split the family down the middle
verb phrase
To decide something by voting, where the result is nearly equal.
The vote on the new policy split the committee down the middle.
Often appears as...
- split the vote down the middle
- split the jury down the middle
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
verb phrase
To divide something into two equal parts.
She split the sandwich down the middle so each of us could have a half.
Often appears as...
- split the bread down the middle
- split the bill down the middle
verb phrase
To disagree strongly about something with no clear solution or agreement.
The proposal to build a new stadium has split the town down the middle.
Often appears as...
- split the community down the middle
- split the family down the middle
verb phrase
To decide something by voting, where the result is nearly equal.
The vote on the new policy split the committee down the middle.
Often appears as...
- split the vote down the middle
- split the jury down the middle
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Literal Split
Used when something is physically divided into two equal parts.
I split the cake down the middle so it was fair.
Pro Tip 2/3Equal Sharing
Emphasizes fairness in sharing something between two people or groups.
We split the profits down the middle to avoid any dispute.
Pro Tip 3/3Visual Imagery
Can create a strong visual image of dividing something like a solid object.
Imagine splitting a log down the middle with an axe.
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