BEDFELLOWS Meaning and
Definition
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Bedfellows refers to individuals or groups who form an unlikely or surprising partnership or alliance due to a shared circumstance or common interest, despite having distinct backgrounds, ideologies, or agendas. The term is often used in a figurative sense to describe an association that is unexpected or potentially problematic.
The origin of this term can be traced back to the literal meaning, as bedfellows referred to two or more people who shared a bed during a time when beds were often shared due to limited resources or accommodation. Over time, the term evolved to convey the sense of conflicting or contrasting companions who are brought together by necessity rather than choice.
In a non-literal sense, bedfellows typically involve individuals or groups who have conflicting values, differing political affiliations, or contrasting ideologies. The phrase highlights the establishment of an association that, under normal circumstances, would not be anticipated or considered likely. For example, a conservative politician joining forces with a liberal activist on a specific issue or a multinational corporation partnering with an environmental organization to address climate change can be described as bedfellows.
By bringing together seemingly incongruous elements, bedfellows often highlight the complexities and nuances of human relationships, politics, and society. It is an expression that underscores the potential for new alliances to emerge in the face of shared challenges or objectives, challenging preconceived notions and expectations.
Common Misspellings for BEDFELLOWS
Etymology of BEDFELLOWS
The word "bedfellows" has an interesting etymology. It combines the words "bed" and "fellow".
The word "bed" dates back to Old English, where it was spelled "bedd" and derived from the Proto-Germanic word "badjam". This word has cognates in other Germanic languages, such as Old High German "bett", Old Norse "bǫð", and Gothic "badi". The concept of a bed as a place for sleeping has been a fundamental part of human life for centuries and is present in various languages and cultures.
The word "fellow" can be traced back to Old English as well, appearing as "feolaga" or "fēolaga".
Idioms with the word BEDFELLOWS
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make odd bedfellows
The idiom "make odd bedfellows" refers to a situation where two or more people or groups who are usually different or disagreeable to each other form an unlikely or unexpected alliance or association, usually due to a specific circumstance or common goal. This phrase highlights the unusual, unconventional, or unexpected nature of the partnership.
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Politics makes strange bedfellows.
The idiom "Politics makes strange bedfellows" means that in politics, people may form alliances or associations with individuals or groups that they would not normally associate with due to their differing ideologies, beliefs, or values. It signifies the unusual or surprising partnerships that can occur in the political world, often driven by expediency rather than genuine agreement.
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strange bedfellows
The idiom "strange bedfellows" refers to an unexpected or unlikely association or alliance between two or more people, groups, or things that are normally incompatible or opposed to each other. It suggests an odd or uncomfortable pairing that is brought together by unusual circumstances or shared interests, despite their differences.
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make odd/strange bedfellows
The idiom "make odd/strange bedfellows" refers to a situation where two or more people or groups who are ordinarily incompatible or unlikely to get along form a temporary alliance or association for a specific purpose. It suggests that these individuals or groups have come together despite their differences or opposing views. The phrase is often used to highlight the peculiar or unexpected nature of their collaboration.
Similar spelling words for BEDFELLOWS
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