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On Opposite Sides of the Barricades

What Does "On Opposite Sides of the Barricades" Mean?

homeidiomsOn Opposite Sides of the Barricades
"On opposite sides of the barricades" is an English idiom. It means "holding opposing or conflicting views, positions, or beliefs, often used in political or ideological contexts."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "on opposite sides of the barricades" used in a sentence:
  • During the debate, they found themselves on opposite sides of the barricades, defending contrasting policies.
  • The two political parties were on opposite sides of the barricades regarding taxation and spending issues.
  • The activists and government officials remained on opposite sides of the barricades, leading to ongoing protests.
meaning for on opposite sides of the barricades

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "On Opposite Sides of the Barricades" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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