split the difference

In a financial transaction, to settle on an amount midway between the offer and the asking price.

Verb

In a financial transaction, to settle on an amount midway between the offer and the asking price.
- "Come!" said Gamfield; "say four pound, gen'lmen. Say four pound, and you've got rid on him for good and all. There!" "Three pound ten," repeated Mr. Limbkins, firmly. "Come! I'll split the difference, gen'lmen," urged...
- My new brother-in-law Allen told me I should ought to give the preist $5 and I thought it should be about $2 the same as the license so I split the difference and give him $3.50. - 1916, Ring Lardner, Sr., chapter 3, in...
Synonyms: meet halfway
To choose an option or take a position roughly midway between two opposed alternatives; to compromise.
- Dolly suggested that they should meet at the club at 4 p.m. Sir Felix had named noon, and promised to call at Dolly's lodgings. They split the difference at last and agreed to start at two. - 1873 May 1 – December 22...
- Gulden appeared at a loss for an instant reply. "I want plenty to do," he replied, presently. "I want to be in on everything. I want to be free to kill a man when I like." . . . "Gulden, I'll split the difference...
- Expert advice to him from many sources varied between 5 ft. and 5 ft. 6 in. He split the difference at 5 ft. 3 in., which was fixed by Act of August 18, 1856, as the standard for Ireland. - 1948 September and October,...
Synonyms: meet halfway