cross the aisle

cross the aisle

1. Of politicians, to unite or cooperate—especially through voting—with an opposing political party or members thereof, so as to achieve some political goal or purpose. Primarily heard in US, South Africa. With just enough Republicans crossing the aisle, the Democrats were able to pass the bill through both the Senate and the House of Representatives. If reform of any kind is going to come about in this lifetime, it will take some strong-willed individuals willing to cross the aisle.
2. Of parliamentary members, to leave one's current political party and join another, such that one's legislative seat is physically moved to the new party's location in parliament. Primarily heard in UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand. Following the prime minister's controversial tax bill, several members of his party crossed the aisle to the Labour Party.
See also: aisle, cross
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • a week is a long time in politics
  • politics
  • palace politics
  • all politics is local
  • local
  • measure for drapes
  • measure the drapes
  • take office
  • lose (one's) hold over (someone or something)
  • sing a different song
References in periodicals archive
senators--one a Democrat and one a Republican--to play along via a video message on the importance of being able to cross the aisle. And his boss, Tim Fox, Montana's attorney general, made a surprise appearance.
In Washington, Democratic members of Congress are preparing a joint resolution to repeal the national emergency in the coming weeks and are expecting some Republicans to cross the aisle to pass it.
Like Congress, the court may no longer have members who are inclined to cross the aisle on occasion.
They cross the aisle and effectively cross-merchandise general merchandise with core parts of the business.
"When you have to cross the aisle, you have to cross the river and that changes everything," said Bill Miller, a veteran political consultant and lobbyist.
It appears the nominee may not automatically receive the 60 votes he needs, in spite of pledges to cross the aisle from media-styled "moderate" Democrats like Joe Manchin and Heidi Heitkamp, who fear future electability fallout concerns.
Public pressure will weigh on Democrat senators from "red" states who will be facing reelection next year, making them more likely to cross the aisle and support Gorsuch's confirmation.
As Rosenworcel was seen as the swing vote involving the now-scuttled set-top box proposal from Wheeler, GOP leaders may be more willing to bring her back — as she'd been seen as someone eager to cross the aisle and work in a non-partisan manner.
"She could cross the aisle and engage other people to get things done," Blankfein, 62, said on CNN.
Since we talked about what your franchise sales department wants, it's only fair if we cross the aisle and talk about what your franchise candidates desire.
Here's a man who enveloped himself during his son's illness and got to understand the intracies of his disease, and he is a person who can cross the aisle and work with both Republicans and Democrats."
But the driver involved explained although he had seen Mr Borek at the side of the aisle he thought it was safe to proceed and had looked down for a second at his watch to check the time and did not see him begin to cross the aisle.
Now senior Senator Manchin has already shown his willingness to cross the aisle for the greater good.
Republicans are told to cross the aisle to get something done.
At least two Republicans would have to cross the aisle in each chamber for the tax increases to move forward.