Meanings
The idiom has been in use for at least a century [1] [2]. It probably derives from a literal observation of political protests, where government buildings were insulated with barricades, and the government was said to not represent the people because they and the people were on opposite sides of the barricades.
How to pronounce "on opposite sides of the barricades":
AU
Holding starkly opposite views on an issue.
Example Sentences
1
They were on opposite sides of the barricades during the protest.
2
The two political parties find themselves on opposite sides of the barricades on most issues.
3
The management and the union are on opposite sides of the barricades in the labor dispute.
4
Even though they are siblings, they often find themselves on opposite sides of the barricades when it comes to family decisions.
5
The two rival gangs were on opposite sides of the barricades, ready for a fight.
A-Z Proximities
on one's lonesomeon one's ownon one's todon one's toeson one's watch on opposite sides of the barricades
on pins and needleson purposeon second thoughton sighton someone's account
