build bridges

Short definition: The phrase build bridges means to create or repair positive relationships between people or groups, especially after conflict, by encouraging communication, cooperation, and understanding so trust can grow and future collaboration becomes possible.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the phrase build bridges? This phrase is very common in everyday English, especially when talking about relationships, cooperation, and conflict. To build bridges means making an effort to improve understanding and connection between people or groups. You will hear it in workplaces, politics, communities, and personal relationships. Below, each meaning is explained in a calm and natural way, with long definitions and realistic examples.

build bridges idiom /bɪld ˈbrɪdʒɪz/

Forms: build bridges (fixed idiom)
Related: reconcile v., cooperate v., connection n.
Syllable: build bridg-es

  1. (Idiom) To create understanding, trust, or cooperation between people or groups.

    To build bridges means making an effort to connect with others, especially when there has been distance, disagreement, or misunderstanding. It often involves listening, compromise, and respect. This idiom is commonly used in social, professional, and political contexts. The focus is on improving relationships rather than winning arguments.

    The new manager tried to build bridges between departments that rarely communicated.
    Community leaders worked hard to build bridges after years of tension.
    She believes honest conversation is the best way to build bridges.

    Synonyms: foster cooperation, create connections, bring people together, promote understanding, reconcile differences, establish trust, form alliances, encourage dialogue, mend relationships, unite groups, strengthen ties, connect sides
    Antonyms: create division, deepen conflict, burn bridges, isolate others, cause separation, worsen tensions, break ties, alienate people, divide groups, cut off communication, fuel disagreement, increase distance

  2. (Idiom) To repair a damaged relationship and move forward positively.

    Build bridges can also describe repairing relationships that have been harmed. This often requires humility, apology, and patience. The phrase highlights long-term effort rather than quick fixes. It is commonly used when people want to move past past conflicts.

    After the argument, he reached out to build bridges with his colleague.
    She hoped a sincere apology would help build bridges with her family.
    The two sides met again to build bridges and restart negotiations.

    Synonyms: mend relationships, repair trust, make peace, reconcile, heal divisions, restore connections, rebuild trust, smooth relations, patch things up, reconnect, seek harmony, resolve differences
    Antonyms: hold grudges, refuse reconciliation, stay divided, keep distance, reopen wounds, reject peace, maintain hostility, prolong conflict, escalate tension, stay disconnected, resist compromise, harden positions

Conversation Using the Idiom Build bridges

In a community meeting intended to resolve a local dispute, organizers Thomas and Mia discuss reconciliation. This conversation focuses on the idiom build bridges, which means to improve relationships between people or groups who are very different or who do not like each other.

Thomas: The goal of this workshop is to help build bridges between the new developers and the long-time residents of the neighborhood.

Mia: I agree; if we can build bridges now, we can avoid a lot of the conflict and resentment that usually happens with these projects.

Thomas: I read that a good leader is someone who knows how to build bridges between opposing political parties to get things done.

Mia: I noticed that she tried to build bridges by inviting the rival team over for a friendly social gathering after the game.

Thomas: If we build bridges based on our shared values, we’ll find that we have much more in common than we originally thought.

Mia: I saw a diplomat build bridges between two countries that hadn't spoken to each other for over twenty years.

Thomas: It’s difficult work, but the effort to build bridges is always worth it for the sake of a more peaceful and united community.

Mia: I agree; instead of focusing on our differences, we should look for every opportunity to build bridges and work together.

Thomas: I’m glad we held this meeting; it’s the first step in the long process to build bridges and restore trust between us.

Mia: I agree; once we build bridges, the future of our neighborhood looks much brighter and more cooperative than it did before.

Phrases Containing the Expression Build Bridges

The phrases below show how the expression build bridges is used to describe improving relationships, creating cooperation, and connecting people or groups that were previously divided.

Build bridges

To improve relationships and cooperation.

After months of tension, the new manager focused on building bridges so different teams could finally work together instead of competing.

Build bridges between teams

To connect groups that don’t work well together.

Her main goal was to build bridges between teams that had stopped communicating due to past conflicts.

Build bridges at work

To improve professional relationships.

He tried to build bridges at work by listening carefully to complaints and responding with practical solutions.

Build bridges through communication

To connect people by talking openly.

Regular meetings helped build bridges through communication rather than letting misunderstandings grow.

Build bridges after a conflict

To repair relationships after disagreement.

Instead of holding grudges, she chose to build bridges after the conflict and move forward constructively.

Build bridges across cultures

To connect people from different backgrounds.

Learning about each other’s traditions helped the group build bridges across cultures.

Build bridges with stakeholders

To improve cooperation with partners.

The company worked hard to build bridges with stakeholders by being more transparent.

Build bridges through empathy

To connect by understanding others.

Showing empathy helped her build bridges even with people who strongly disagreed.

Build bridges in a community

To unite people locally.

The project aimed to build bridges in the community by bringing neighbors together.

Build bridges instead of walls

To choose cooperation over division.

Good leaders build bridges instead of walls when disagreements arise.

Build bridges gradually

To improve relationships slowly.

Trust takes time, so they focused on building bridges gradually rather than forcing quick results.

Build bridges through compromise

To connect by giving and taking.

Both sides had to compromise to build bridges and reach an agreement.

Build bridges between generations

To connect younger and older people.

Mentorship programs help build bridges between generations at work.

Build bridges in negotiations

To keep talks positive.

He tried to build bridges in negotiations by acknowledging the other side’s concerns.

Build bridges with honesty

To connect through truthfulness.

Honesty helped build bridges and rebuild trust after the mistake.

Build bridges across departments

To improve internal collaboration.

Workshops were designed to build bridges across departments that rarely interacted.

Build bridges through teamwork

To connect people by working together.

Shared goals helped build bridges through teamwork.

Build bridges after misunderstanding

To repair damage caused by confusion.

Clarifying intentions helped them build bridges after a misunderstanding.

Build bridges for the future

To prepare for long-term cooperation.

They focused on building bridges for the future rather than winning short-term arguments.

Build bridges with patience

To connect calmly over time.

Patience was key to building bridges with people who were initially resistant.

Words Rhyme with build bridges

filled ridges
killed midges
billed fridges
drilled ridges
skilled midgets
thrilled digits
spilled midges
stilled ridges
willed fridges
chilled ridges
bridges
ridges
midges
fridges
midgets
digits
fidgets
cartridges
partridges
averages
beverages
leverages
coverages
shortages
cottages
villages
pillages
messages
passages
advantages
POS: Verb Phrase