Split the difference

To “split the difference” means to compromise, in which each party is willing to concede a small amount of what they originally wanted in order to come to an agreement. Microsoft, many large corporations, law firms, consulting and accounting firms are “splitting the difference” for employees returning to an office environment. In other words, many companies are compromising by allowing some work-from-home flexibility, but still requiring some work to be done in the office. The sales representative only wanted to give a 10 percent discount, but the customer insisted on a 20 percent discount. They ended up “splitting the difference” and agreeing on a 15 percent discount.