split the baby

In reference to the Judgment of Solomon.

split the baby (third-person singular simple present splits the baby, present participle splitting the baby, simple past and past participle split the baby)

1. To resolve a dispute in a way that is disadvantageous to both parties.

   Synonyms: cut the baby in half, saw the baby in half

   • 2012, Sylvester J. Schieber, The Predictable Surprise:

     As the proposal evolved, it is clear that the authors tried to split the baby—benefits would be linked to the worker's covered earnings, out of which contributions would be made, but there would be some subsidization.

• Solomonic
• split the difference