drift apart: Idiom Meaning and Origin

*Drift apart* is an idiom that describes a gradual separation between people or things that were once close. This phrase is commonly used to express the idea of growing apart from someone or something over time. It suggests a gradual movement away from a shared point, similar to how objects drift apart in space.

When people use the idiom *drift apart*, they imply that a relationship or connection that once existed has weakened or faded over time. This can happen for various reasons, such as changing priorities, diverging interests or values, lack of communication, or physical distance. The idiom captures the sense of a gradual and almost imperceptible separation. It conveys the idea that relationships can naturally evolve and change, leading to a gradual loss of closeness.

The phrase *drift apart* is derived from the literal meaning of the word "drift," which refers to the gradual movement of objects away from each other. The word "apart" emphasizes the sense of separation or distance. In the context of relationships and connections, the idiom suggests that individuals or groups are slowly moving away from each other without any intentional effort or decision.

According to various sources, the idiom *drift apart* has been in use for several decades. It is considered to be a standard idiomatic expression in the English language, used by both native speakers and non-native speakers. The phrase can be found in numerous written and spoken contexts, including literature, conversations, media, and everyday speech.

One example of the idiom *drift apart* being used in a sentence is: "Over the years, Mary and John drifted apart and eventually lost touch with each other." This sentence clearly conveys the idea of a gradual and natural separation between two individuals who were once close.

The phrase *grow apart* is closely related to *drift apart* and shares a similar meaning. It is used to describe a gradual and natural separation between individuals or groups who were once close. When people *grow apart*, they are acknowledging that the relationship or connection has weakened over time, without any specific event or action causing the rift. The phrase conveys the idea that individuals or groups have changed and evolved in different directions, leading to a loss of closeness.

Another related idiom is *go their separate ways*. This phrase suggests a more definitive and intentional separation compared to *drift apart*. When individuals or groups *go their separate ways*, they are making a conscious decision to move in different directions and end the relationship or connection. This idiom implies a more decisive and clear-cut separation, as opposed to the gradual and almost imperceptible separation implied by *drift apart*. It suggests that the individuals or groups have recognized that their paths have diverged and have chosen to part ways.

The idiom *drift apart* captures the natural ebb and flow of relationships, reminding us of the impermanence and fluidity of human connections. It represents the idea that relationships can change and evolve over time, leading to a gradual loss of closeness. While the phrase does not imply any intentional effort or decision to separate, it acknowledges the reality that individuals or groups can naturally move away from each other as their priorities, interests, or values change. The idiom *drift apart* is a reflection of the complex and dynamic nature of human relationships, reminding us that closeness and connection require ongoing care and effort.