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Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Use “divide and conquer” carefully: it can describe sharing a big task or a strategy that turns people against each other.
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Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptThe expression has two useful contexts. It can describe splitting a difficult project into separate jobs so people can finish it together; it can also describe manipulating a group by encouraging disagreement. The surrounding context signals which meaning is intended.
Cultural note: In project planning, “divide and conquer” is usually practical and cooperative. In politics, conflict, or competition, it can suggest deliberate manipulation. If you only mean assigning work, “split up the tasks” is a plainer option.
Keep exploringA large job can feel manageable when it is divided, but dividing people can create conflict. Listen for the difference between cooperation and manipulation.
Phrase guide · 6 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Assign parts of a complex job so a team can complete it.
Meaning
Split a large task into parts and complete them, or gain control by dividing a group against itself.
Tone & use
The meaning depends on context. For teamwork it can be positive and practical; for managing people through conflict it suggests manipulation.
Example
“We divided and conquered: I prepared the slides while Maya checked the figures.”
Meaning
Give responsibility for a specific job to another person.
Tone & use
Common in work and volunteer settings. The person delegating remains responsible for coordinating the overall work.
Example
“The coordinator delegated the supply list to two volunteers.”
Recognize language about creating disagreement or forming alliances.
Meaning
Join with other people to act or achieve something as a group.
Tone & use
Often describes people forming a united response after facing a shared challenge.
Example
“Residents banded together to reopen the playground after the storm.”
Meaning
Cause people who were cooperating to distrust or oppose one another.
Tone & use
A critical phrase that often describes deliberate manipulation or conflict.
Example
“The false rumor turned two project teams against each other.”
Describe delaying an action while a plan comes together.
Meaning
Delay an action to gain time.
Tone & use
Can be neutral or mildly negative; it may describe a useful pause or an attempt to avoid a decision.
Example
“The host stalled for time while the technician restarted the projector.”
Meaning
Something unusual or suspicious seems to be happening.
Tone & use
Informal and conversational. The phrase suggests suspicion, but it does not prove that anything is wrong.
Example
“The lights are on, but nobody is answering the door. I think something’s up.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
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