shoulder-to-shoulder

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shoulder-to-shoulder

The protesters stood shoulder-to-shoulder in a peaceful demonstration.

Definition

Adverb 1. In close proximity and alignment, side by side: Describes people or things standing or moving next to each other with their shoulders almost touching, often implying unity, solidarity, or coordinated effort. 2. In close cooperation and solidarity: Used figuratively to describe people working together in a united and supportive manner toward a common goal.

Usage Examples
  • Literal Physical Proximity:
    • The protesters stood shoulder-to-shoulder along the barricade.
    • The soldiers advanced shoulder-to-shoulder across the field.
  • Figurative Unity and Cooperation:
    • We will work shoulder-to-shoulder with our allies to address this crisis.
    • The community stood shoulder-to-shoulder in support of the affected families.
Advanced Usage
  • "to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with someone": To show strong, visible support and solidarity with a person or group, often in a difficult situation.
    • The nation stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the victims of the disaster.
  • "to fight/work/shoulder-to-shoulder": To collaborate very closely and in unison on a challenging task.
    • The two departments worked shoulder-to-shoulder to complete the project on time.
Variants and Related Words
  • Side by side (adverb/phrase): A more general synonym for being next to each other, but may lack the specific connotation of close physical contact or intense unity implied by "shoulder-to-shoulder."
  • United (adjective): Joined together politically, emotionally, or in purpose.
  • In unison (adverb): Acting or speaking at the same time, as one.
Synonyms
  • Side by side
  • Together
  • In solidarity
  • As one
Related Phrases
  • Arm in arm: Literally linking arms, often suggesting affection or close companionship as well as unity.
  • Hand in hand: Literally holding hands; often used figuratively to mean closely associated or working together.
  • Back-to-back: Facing in opposite directions, often to defend against threats from all sides (contrasts with the side-by-side nature of "shoulder-to-shoulder").
Related Idioms
  • "To put one's shoulder to the wheel": To apply great effort and hard work to a task. (Note: This idiom shares the word "shoulder" and the concept of effort but describes individual exertion rather than the collective unity of "shoulder-to-shoulder.")
shoulder-to-shoulder

The protesters stood shoulder-to-shoulder in a peaceful demonstration.

Adverb
  1. side by side and close together
    • the troops marched shoulder-to-shoulder