bring to terms


Force someone to agree or continue negotiations, as in The creditors were determined to bring the company to terms. The terms here mean “the conditions for agreement.” [First half of 1700s] Also see come to terms.

The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.