work out a compromise

Meaning

This phrase means to reach an agreement where both parties make concessions to resolve a disagreement. It is widely used in business, negotiation, and conflict resolution contexts. It implies a collaborative effort to find a mutually acceptable solution.

Examples

• It took hours of negotiation, but we finally managed to work out a compromise.

  It took hours of negotiation, but we finally managed to work out a compromise.

• If we want to close this deal, both sides need to work out a compromise on the pricing.

  If we want to close this deal, both sides need to work out a compromise on the pricing.

• The management and the union are trying to work out a compromise regarding remote work policies.

  The management and the union are trying to work out a compromise regarding remote work policies.

• We might have to work out a compromise if we can't agree on the project timeline.

  We might have to work out a compromise if we can't agree on the project timeline.

• They were able to work out a compromise that satisfied both marketing and product teams.

  They were able to work out a compromise that satisfied both marketing and product teams.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We need to make a compromise.

  ✓ We need to work out a compromise.

  While 'make a compromise' is sometimes used, 'work out a compromise' emphasizes the active process of negotiating and finding a solution.

• ✗ They worked out a compromise agreement.

  ✓ They worked out a compromise.

  Adding 'agreement' is redundant because a compromise is already an agreement.

Related Expressions

Practice

• After discussing the budget for hours, we managed to ___.

  💡 Find a middle ground that suits both sides

  Show answer

  work out a compromise

• If you both refuse to budge, we will never ___.

  💡 Agree on a mutually acceptable solution

  Show answer

  work out a compromise