agree to differ
expression · Collocation / phrase B2
Plain meaning
to stop arguing because both sides accept they disagree
Exam-register meaning
In exam reading or discussion, this expression signals to stop arguing because both sides accept they disagree rather than a literal meaning.
In context
naturalThe phrase “agree to differ” fitted the situation perfectly.
examIn higher-level reading passages, “agree to differ” may be used to show to stop arguing because both sides accept they disagree.
Common collocations
agree to differuse “agree to differ” in contextthe expression “agree to differ”
Watch out
Do not translate “agree to differ” word-for-word; learn it as a fixed expression and check whether it is suitable for formal writing.