🗓️ Idiom: Build Bridges (v)
💬 Meaning
- To improve relationships between people or groups who may not understand or trust each other.
- Often used in business or diplomacy when fostering cooperation and resolving differences.
🧠 Example Sentences
- The new manager focused on building bridges between departments.
- Attending industry events is a great way to build bridges with potential partners.
- She worked hard to build bridges after the disagreement with her client.
🏛️ Origin
The idiom comes from the physical act of building a bridge to connect two sides. In a metaphorical sense, it means forming connections and overcoming divides between people or groups.
📝 Practice Exercises
1. Fill in the blank:
After the heated negotiation, both sides tried to __________ bridges to move forward.
Answer
build
2. Choose the correct meaning of “build bridges”:
A) To end a relationship
B) To establish connections and improve relationships
C) To avoid conflict by walking away
Answer
B) To establish connections and improve relationships
3. Rewrite the sentence using the idiom:
“He made an effort to improve the relationship with his former colleague.” → Change the sentence using: build bridges
Answer
He made an effort to build bridges with his former colleague.
ℹ️ Other Useful Pages
👉 Relationships and Networking Idioms
👉 Business English Idioms List
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Rob is a CELTA qualified English teacher with 15 years of international experience. He has a BSc and PGDip from Loughborough and St Andrews universities in the UK. He has taught in Thailand and Saudi Arabia and now works with professionals worldwide.
