go (one's) separate ways

1. Literally, to go to different places after parting. Once we got back to the first floor, Phil and I went our separate ways to our respective offices. Now that the job's done, let's divide up the cash and go our separate ways. We shared several kisses, then drew apart to go our separate ways to class.

2. To end a relationship. My boyfriend and I went our separate ways because he wanted to get married, and I didn't. If you don't see a future with this girl, you need to go your separate ways now, before you too attached. Really it was only our shared friendship with Tommy that kept our group together in high school. After he left, we all just sort of went our separate ways.

go your separate ways

1 leave in a different direction from someone with whom you have just travelled or spent time. 2 end a romantic, professional, or other relationship.

go your separate ˈways

(of two or more people) stop seeing each other socially, because you are living in different places, doing different jobs, etc: After school we went our separate ways.