common front

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common front

The unions formed a common front during the negotiations.

Definition

Noun: A unified position or collective stance adopted by multiple distinct individuals, groups, or organizations, often with differing individual interests, in order to achieve a shared objective, typically in a negotiation, conflict, or political context.

Usage

The term "common front" is used to describe a strategic alliance where separate entities temporarily set aside their differences to present a united, coordinated position. It is most commonly used in discussions of labor relations, politics, and diplomacy.

Examples
  • Noun:
    • The opposition parties formed a common front to challenge the new legislation.
    • During the crisis, the community groups established a common front to demand better services from the city council.
    • The reference example states: "the unions presented a common front at the bargaining table."
Advanced Usage
  • "To present/show a common front": This is the most frequent collocation, meaning to display unity publicly.
    • The allied nations worked hard to present a common front during the peace talks.
  • "To maintain a common front": To keep the alliance unified over time, often despite internal pressures.
    • It was difficult for the coalition to maintain a common front as the election approached.
Variants and Related Words
  • Coalition (n): A temporary alliance for combined action, especially of political parties forming a government. (A is often the structural result of forming a .)
  • Unified front (n): A very similar phrase meaning a position of complete unity. (This is often used interchangeably with .)
  • Solidarity (n): Unity or agreement of feeling or action, especially among individuals with a common interest. ( is the spirit or principle; a is the practical manifestation of it.)
Synonyms
  • United front
  • Unified stance
  • Collective position
  • Alliance (in this specific strategic sense)
Antonyms
  • Disunity
  • Fragmentation
  • Division
Related Idioms/Phrases
  • "To close ranks": To unite in order to defend shared interests, often used in military or organizational contexts. This idiom conveys a similar idea of presenting a unified exterior.
    • When criticized, the members of the club closed ranks to support their leader.
common front

The unions formed a common front during the negotiations.

Noun
  1. a movement in which several individuals or groups with different interests join together
    • the unions presented a common front at the bargaining table