polarize (one group of people) into (two groups of people)

polarize (one group of people) into (two groups of people)

To cause a group of people to divide into two opposing or contrasting groups. The issue has polarized the country into two bitterly divided camps—those in favor of the legislation, and those against it. The controversial CEO tends to polarize employees into a group that loves him and a group that hates him.
See also: group, of, polarize
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

polarize something into something

to divide a group into two segments. Your actions have just polarized the students into two opposing groups! We polarized the entire population into two factions.
See also: polarize
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • battle of the giants
  • at opposite poles
  • at each other's throats
  • chalk and cheese
  • be at each other's throats
  • cling together
  • between two fires
  • Box and Cox
  • come together
  • (one, two, three) strikes against (someone or something)