wedge

drive a wedge between someone

if you drive a wedge between two people or two groups of people, you do something which spoils their relationship. She thinks Samantha's jealous and is trying to drive a wedge between her and her boyfriend. This is a clear attempt to drive a wedge between the USA and its western allies.

See also: between, drive

the thin end of the wedge (British & Australian)

the start of a harmful development. There are those who see the closure of the hospital as the thin end of the wedge.

See also: end, thin

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drive a wedge between someone/something

to cause a division between people or groups. Frank had to travel a lot and this finally drove a wedge between him and his wife. The issue of global warming has driven a wedge between our government and the rest of the world.

See also: between, drive