common cause

Idioms  

1. A joint interest, as in “The common cause against the enemies of piety” (from John Dryden's poem, Religio laici, or a Layman's Faith, 1682). This term originated as to make common cause (with), meaning “to unite one's interest with another's.” In the mid-1900s the name Common Cause was adopted by a liberal lobbying group.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

common cause

Their work is a cultural bridge much like Ashitaka’s effort to bring the worlds of beasts and men together for a common cause, depicting what Miyazaki sees as one of humanism’s central conundrums.

From Salon ● Jul. 22, 2026

When they occur, investigators usually search for a common cause - fuel contamination, a disruption in fuel supply, bird strikes, volcanic ash or some broader system failure.

From BBC ● Jun. 15, 2026

Many Arab countries once saw Israel as a potential partner making common cause against Iran, and some have quietly coordinated on security matters for years.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 1, 2026

While viral infections are the most common cause in the United States, bacteria, parasites and fungi can also cause the condition.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 28, 2026

I would feel the same if someone asked me to make common cause with the Lannisters, Jon told himself.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin