Definition

Noun: 1. A person who shares a bed with another: This refers to a literal sleeping partner, such as a spouse or romantic partner. 2. A temporary ally or associate, especially one of convenience: This refers to a person, group, or idea that is partnered with another in a specific situation, often unexpectedly or out of necessity, rather than shared belief or affinity.

Usage and Examples

• Literal meaning (sharing a bed):

  • After decades of marriage, they were the most familiar of bedfellows.
  • The hotel had to find a new bedfellow for him when his travel companion canceled.

• Figurative meaning (temporary associate):

  • In the fight for environmental reform, the small activist group found an unlikely bedfellow in the large corporation.
  • Economic hardship can create strange political bedfellows.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• The term is most commonly used in its figurative sense to highlight an unusual, opportunistic, or forced alliance.
• It often carries a neutral or slightly negative connotation, implying the association is not based on genuine friendship or shared principles.
• The classic idiom "Politics makes strange bedfellows" perfectly encapsulates the figurative use, meaning that political interests can force cooperation between people or groups who are otherwise very different or opposed.

Variants and Related Words

• Ally (n): A more general term for a person or state that cooperates with another.
• Partner (n): A broader term for someone associated with another in a common activity.
• Confederate (n): An accomplice or ally, sometimes in a negative context.

Synonyms

• Ally
• Associate
• Collaborator
• Cohabitant (for the literal sense)
• Partner

Related Phrases and Idioms

• Strange bedfellows: A commonly used phrase to describe an unusual or incongruous alliance.
  • The merger between the two rival companies made them strange bedfellows.
• Politics makes strange bedfellows: An idiom stating that political goals often lead to unexpected alliances.

Noun

1. a person with whom you share a bed
2. a temporary associate
   • politics makes strange bedfellows