parting of the ways

Idioms  

1. A point of divergence, especially an important one, as in When Jim decided to travel with the band and Jill wanted a more normal home life, they came to a parting of the ways. This term, which transfers a fork in a road to alternative courses of action, appears in the Bible (Ezekiel 21:21), where the king of Babylon must decide whether or not to attack Jerusalem: “[He] stood at the parting of the way.” [c. 1600]

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Example Sentences

Coyle replaces Malloe, a universally beloved and respected assistant who left the team last week as part of what was described as a mutual parting of the ways after the team’s disappointing start.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 21, 2025

Eight-plus years later it’s another Seahawks-Broncos game that marks the official parting of the ways between the sides, Wilson now with Denver and on the opposing sideline for Seattle’s regular-season opener.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 11, 2022

It made the parting of the ways inevitable and Richarlison made a £60m switch to Spurs.

From BBC • Sep. 7, 2022

Asked if strategic differences on China meant a long-term parting of the ways between the United States and France, Mr. Le Maire said: “It could be the case if we are not cautious.”

From New York Times • Oct. 28, 2021

He said nothing for a long, long time; but down in his heart Jean Baptiste knew that he was coming nearer to the parting of the ways.

From The Homesteader A Novel by Micheaux, Oscar

Related Words

• departure
• disengagement
• dissolution
• divorce
• estrangement
• partition
• segregation
• split