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.")

Adverb

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