Drive a wedge Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈdɹaɪv/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈwɛdʒ

DRYV uh WEJ

UK

dɹˈaɪv/ /æɪ/ /wˈɛdʒ

dRIVE uh WEJ

Definition

To cause disagreement, separation, or conflict between people who were previously close or united.

Usage & Nuances

This is an idiomatic expression, usually about relationships, groups, or teams. It implies intentional or accidental disruption. Often used in the negative: 'don't drive a wedge'. The 'wedge' metaphor suggests splitting something apart.

• Spanish: crear una división - sembrar discordia
• Portuguese (BR): criar uma divisão - semear discórdia
• Portuguese (PT): criar uma divisão - semear discórdia
• Chinese (Simplified): 挑拨离间
• Chinese (Traditional): 挑撥離間
• Hindi: फूट डालना
• Arabic: دب إسفين (بين الأشخاص) - التسبب في خلاف
• Bengali: অশান্তি সৃষ্টি করা - বিভেদ সৃষ্টি করা
• Russian: разделять - вносить раздор
• Japanese: 亀裂を生じさせる - 仲を裂く
• Vietnamese: gây chia rẽ - gây mâu thuẫn
• Korean: 갈라놓다 - 분열을 일으키다
• Turkish: arada soğukluk yaratmak - araya nifak sokmak
• Urdu: پھوٹ ڈالنا - دوری پیدا کرنا
• Indonesian: memecah belah - membuat perpecahan

Example Sentences

She didn't mean to drive a wedge between her friends.

basic

Gossip can drive a wedge in a family.

basic

Their arguments drove a wedge between the two teams.

basic

Don’t let money issues drive a wedge in your relationship.

natural

Rumors like that could seriously drive a wedge between coworkers.

natural

He was accused of trying to drive a wedge between the partners to get his way.

natural