build bridges

build bridges

To connect disparate people or groups. The senator was working to build bridges between the two parties on the contentious issue. A lingua franca is used to build bridges between people who do not speak the same language.
See also: bridge, build
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

build bridges

COMMON If you build bridges between groups of people, you do something to improve the relationship between them. It was our duty to help build bridges between the communities involved. We are looking for ways to build bridges between our two organizations. Note: You can call this process bridge-building. Do all you can to develop an open mind which allows bridge-building between you. Lovett took the initiative to arrange a bridge-building luncheon at which a compromise could be agreed.
See also: bridge, build
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

build ˈbridges (between A and B/with somebody)

if you build bridges between people who disagree on something or who do not like each other, you try to find ways to improve the relationship between them: The police are trying to build bridges with the local community. ▶ ˈbridge-building noun: The company has a lot of bridge-building to do with angry investors.
See also: bridge, build
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • Franca
  • lingua
  • lingua franca
  • a lingua franca
  • connect up
  • patch together
  • the enemy of your enemy is your friend
  • the enemy of my enemy is my friend
  • my enemy's enemy is my friend
  • all the difference in the world
References in periodicals archive
Summary: Christians, Muslims urged to build bridges of brotherhood and promote culture of dialogue
Vatican's Ramadan message quotes from Abu Dhabi Declaration
The Minister explained further that, 'There used to be green grasses here, trees, waters and creeks, the creek is turned into dry land some of the areas where you have valleys we have built bridges, any area that we did not need to build bridges, we created roads'.
Works On Lagos-Ibadan Rail Project Reaches 100% Completion, Says FG
It is the perfect location to spread a message of world unity and peace so that more of us around the world build bridges with others rather than walls and barriers."
Lorenzo Quinn brings monumental Building Bridges sculpture to Venice Biennale with a message of world unity and peace
The DP said the marriage of Makena Murungi to James Bukusi, whose parents originate from Busia County, was a step in the right direction as it is helping to build bridges between Kenyan communities.
Uhuru calls on the youth to reject tribalism
One challenge: Help build bridges from school to adulthood for students with disabilities
Providing 'life without limits' for those with disabilities
THE Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf spokesman Fawad Chaudhry met the Chief Justice of Pakistan a few days ago to 'build bridges with all institutions as we are in the government.' Which government?
Goose and gander
We assured him of our support for the handshake to build bridges for a new Kenya, said Mr Kabando.
Former MPs clash with William Ruto allies
The Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation and International Understanding on Saturday said it is currently seeking to bring about cultural exchanges and build bridges of intercultural communication with various translation institutions in many countries around the world.
Hamad Award for Translation to bring world cultures together
Witcombe other and build bridges across the divisions that date back hundreds of years!
Archbishop is set to soak up some culture on visit to city; Justin Welby WILL BE AT BELGRADE THEATRE TO MEET PERFORMERS
We also want to bridge the worlds of the city and the region: the Diocese of Coventry unites the City of Coventry and the County ofWarwickshire, and the church, and the arts, have a unique opportunity to help us talk to each other and build bridges across the divisions that date back hundreds of years!
Archbishop of Canterbury set to visit Coventry for Cathedral centenary; He will mark be celebrating Coventry's creative sectors
BY MICHAEL MCHUGH IAN Paisley gets to grips with a Soviet Union martial art that aims to build bridges during its first tournament in Northern Ireland.
Ian Russian to get his kicks..
Based on this fact, the TEDxCCQ organisers believe that the theme will be the "symbol of the connection between the past and the future, nationalism and globalisation and many other aspects that could be used to build bridges reaching the world", according to a press statement.
13 speakers share inspiring stories in TEDxCCQ
This fascinating footage shows the algorithms used by armyantsto build bridges with their bodies.
Incredible footage shows army ants joining forces to form BRIDGES with their bodies; A new study has helped shed light not only on how an army ant colony builds bridges, but also how they may even opt to build bridges themselves
"We started as group to build bridges and sincere teamwork."
Gargash: Sadr's Visit to the UAE Is The Beginning Of The Journey To Build Bridges And Sincere Work With Iraq