A house divided against itself cannot stand

Meaning

Failure is certain if those on the same side argue amongst themselves.

Examples

The Tory party can’t stop arguing over Europe. Don’t they know that a house divided cannot stand.

Where did it originate?

Biblical.

Where is it used?

Widespread but uncommon. Rather formal for everyday speech.

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About the Author

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

A house divided against itself cannot stand