sing from the same hymn sheet

sing from the same hymn sheet

To have the same understanding of something as someone else; to say the same things about something as other people, especially in public. Primarily heard in UK. I think we should have a meeting with everyone who's involved in the project. That way, we'll all be singing from the same hymn sheet before we begin. Make sure everyone from the campaign is singing from the same hymn sheet before we release any kind of statement to the press.
See also: hymn, same, sheet, sing
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

sing from the same hymn sheet

or

sing from the same song sheet

BRITISH
If two or more people sing from the same hymn sheet or sing from the same song sheet, they express the same opinions about a subject in public. The important thing is to bring together the departments so that we're all singing from the same hymn sheet. As she and her husband deal with the latest scandal, they can at least be relied on to sing from the same song sheet.
See also: hymn, same, sheet, sing
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

sing from the same hymn (or song) sheet

present a united front in public by not disagreeing with one another. British informal
2000 South China Morning Post We're all singing from the same hymn sheet and there is a real will to clean up the game, though it may take a life ban to restore cricket's credibility.
See also: hymn, same, sheet, sing
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

sing from the same ˈsong/ˈhymn sheet

(informal) say the same things and agree about a subject, especially in public: We really need to make sure we are all singing from the same hymn sheet before the press conference.
See also: hymn, same, sheet, sing, song
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • a ghost at the feast
  • (someone or something) promises well
  • a fast talker
  • a/the feel of (something)
  • (I) wouldn't (do something) if I were you
  • (have) got something going (with someone)
  • a horse of another
  • a horse of another color
  • a horse of another colour
  • a straw will show which way the wind blows
References in periodicals archive
Irish people are becoming ever more uneasy about the threat of SARS because of the obvious inability of the Health Minister and Health authorities to sing from the same hymn sheet.
Voice of the Irish Sunday Mirror: Ministers must keep us all safe
All my heroes knew that the country needed a common identity or, as I have put it, to sing from the same hymn sheet.
We need to know who we are to make progress; Frank FIELD Outspoken and informed, Birkenhead's MP writes for you
POLYTICS: Are Sammy Lee and the Bolton board going to continue to sing from the same hymn sheet, and if so for how much longer?
Football: THE FANS FORUM; BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
The research reveals many large corporations use pop music to develop loyal, hard-working employees, and to encourage workers to "sing from the same hymn sheet".
'We are company' sing workers
"We have all got to sing from the same hymn sheet. If I have a problem with the chairman, I will address it to him face-to-face and privately.
Taylor returns to Villa to calm things down and finish job
WHEN the leaders of the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church sing from the same hymn sheet, they should be heeded.
Voice Of The Daily Mirror: Gospel truth
WHEN leaders of the Anglican Church and the Roman Catholic Church sing from the same hymn sheet, they should be heeded.
Voice Of The Scottish Daily Mirror: Gospel truth
Ministers are supposed to sing from the same hymn sheet. But the impending Yankee invasion of Iraq has clearly divided Labour.
MINISTERS CLASH OVER PLANS TO HIT IRAQ: COMMENT