build bridges

Meaning

To 'build bridges' means to improve relationships between people, groups, or organizations that are unfriendly, divided, or hostile. It involves finding common ground, fostering communication, and promoting mutual understanding. The tone is formal and highly constructive, making it common in business, community, and diplomatic contexts.

Examples

• The new manager has worked hard to build bridges between the marketing and sales teams.

  The new manager has worked hard to build bridges between the marketing and sales teams.

• The cultural exchange program aims to build bridges between different communities.

  The cultural exchange program aims to build bridges between different communities.

• Instead of focusing on our past arguments, we should try to build bridges for the future.

  Instead of focusing on our past arguments, we should try to build bridges for the future.

• She is known for her ability to build bridges between opposing political factions.

  She is known for her ability to build bridges between opposing political factions.

• Local leaders are organizing a festival to build bridges among the neighborhood's diverse residents.

  Local leaders are organizing a festival to build bridges among the neighborhood's diverse residents.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ They tried to make bridges with their estranged relatives.

  ✓ They tried to build bridges with their estranged relatives.

  The standard verb for this idiom is 'build', not 'make' or 'create'.

• ✗ The mediator tried to build a bridge between both sides.

  ✓ The mediator tried to build bridges between both sides.

  Although the singular 'build a bridge' is occasionally heard, the idiomatic phrase for fostering reconciliation between divided groups is almost always plural: 'build bridges'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• As a diplomat, her primary job was to ___ between the two warring nations.

  💡 To foster friendship and understanding between divided groups.

  Show answer

  build bridges

• We need to ___ between the older and younger generations in our workplace.

  💡 To connect divided groups and improve relationships.

  Show answer

  build bridges