agreement in principle: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘agreement in principle’ mean?
The idiom "agreement in principle" means that there is a general understanding or acceptance of a concept or proposal, but the specific details and terms have not been fully worked out or agreed upon.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "kind of" is a colloquial expression that is used to indicate a moderate or hesitant agreement with a statement or a description. It suggests a level of uncertainty or approximation in the speaker's opinion or belief.
The idiom "in the works" means that something is being planned or developed, but it is not yet complete or finalized.
The idiom "have other ideas" means to disagree or have a different plan or opinion than what has been suggested or expected.
The idiom "have in mind" means to have a specific idea or plan in one's thoughts or intentions.
A "ground rule" is a basic principle or guideline that is established to govern a specific situation or activity.
The idiom "grand scheme" refers to the overall plan or strategy that encompasses all the smaller details and actions. It emphasizes the larger perspective and long-term goals rather than focusing on individual parts or immediate results.
The idiom "go without saying" means that something is so obvious or well-known that it doesn't need to be stated explicitly.
The idiomatic phrase "go in with" means to jointly participate or collaborate with someone in a particular action or endeavor.
The Essence of Consensus
The idiom agreement in principle refers to a mutual understanding or consensus reached without going into specific details. It is commonly used in politics, business, and negotiations. In the political context, agreement in principle represents a general consensus among policymakers about a proposed policy or legislation. In business, it signifies a preliminary understanding between parties involved in a potential transaction or deal.
Agreement in principle is frequently used in negotiations to establish a shared intent to reach a final agreement. It serves as a starting point for discussions, allowing for flexibility and adjustments while maintaining a sense of progress toward a definite resolution. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging a common understanding or acceptance before delving into the finer details.
The idioms "common ground," "come to terms," "go along with," and "have in mind" are related to the idiom agreement in principle. Each of these idioms conveys the idea of finding a shared understanding or reaching a mutual agreement.
The idiom "common ground" refers to a shared set of beliefs, interests, or opinions that provides a basis for agreement or cooperation. When parties find common ground, they can establish an agreement in principle, setting the stage for further negotiations and actions.
The idiom "come to terms" implies reaching an agreement or understanding after a process of negotiation or discussion. It signifies a willingness to accept a certain outcome or condition, which aligns with the concept of agreement in principle.
The idiom "go along with" means to accept, support, or agree to something. When parties "go along with" an idea or proposal, they are essentially expressing an agreement in principle, signaling their willingness to move forward and explore the details further.
The idiom "have in mind" implies having a specific idea, objective, or plan in one's thoughts. When parties have a particular outcome or goal in mind, they can work towards an agreement in principle that aligns with their objectives.
Understanding these related idioms provides a deeper insight into the concept of agreement in principle. Each idiom represents a different aspect or perspective of reaching a mutual understanding or consensus, contributing to the overall understanding and application of the concept.
While agreement in principle is a valuable tool in various fields, it is important for parties to approach it cautiously and be aware of the need for continued negotiations. Its interpretation can sometimes be subjective, and parties may have different priorities or views on the extent of commitment or validity.
However, agreement in principle serves as an essential foundation for further deliberations. It enables stakeholders to navigate complex issues with a shared understanding, facilitating progress towards a more concrete resolution. By recognizing the importance of reaching a preliminary agreement and acknowledging the need for further refinement, parties can effectively utilize agreement in principle to establish a strong basis for negotiations and actions.
Ultimately, agreement in principle captures the essence of a preliminary accord or consensus that sets the groundwork for further discussions and actions. It is a valuable tool that ensures a shared understanding, promotes flexibility, and drives progress towards a final agreement or resolution.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "agreement in principle" can be used in a sentence:
- After much negotiation, the two companies reached an agreement in principle on the terms of their new partnership.
- The government announced an agreement in principle to increase funding for education, pending further discussions with the relevant stakeholders.
- Although the final details were still being worked out, there was agreement in principle among the team members on the overall direction of the project.
More "Agreement" idioms
