split the blanket

English

Verb

split the blanket (third-person singular simple present splits the blanket, present participle splitting the blanket, simple past and past participle split the blanket)

1. To terminate a marriage or marriage-like relationship; to divorce or permanently separate.
   • 1995, John B. Sanford, A Book of American Women, →ISBN, page 33:

     It mattered to no one that he already had a wife, a white woman named Eliza Allen: they'd split the blanket and dwelt apart, and among the Indians, the Indian marriage took, though not for life nor even long.

   • 2002, Martha B. Hook, Acts by E-Mail, →ISBN, page 187:

     After that, Mrs. Transome said that she knew it was time to "split the blanket." She has put up with his temperamental behavior and alcoholism for years.

   • 2013, C.W. Smith, Letters From the Horse Latitudes, →ISBN:

     "I guess you know about us splitting the blanket." "Splitting the blanket?" He smiled, amused. "Divorce, son. Haven't you ever heard of that?"

2. (by extension) To dissolve a partnership.
   • 1992, Ralph Compton, The Goodnight Trail: The Trail Drive, →ISBN, page 24:

     "Well, I reckon that splits the blanket," said Will. "Now he knows we ain't buyin' his shakedown, I reckon he'll loose them pet Comanches on us."

   • 1997 September 19, King Consultant, “This is a test of TRUE character”, in alt.sports.football.pro.dallas-cowboys (Usenet):

     Jimmy Johnson had the most complete control of the team when he was here. Why do you think that Jones and Johnson split the blanket?..hmmm?...Jones wanted complete control and Johnson didnt want him to have it.

   • 2013, Yuri Maltsev, Roman Skaskiw, The Tea Party Explained: From Crisis to Crusade, →ISBN, page 115:

     He argued that the military and empire spending are the most feasible place to build a consensus on budget cuts, but, “here is where the Tea Party and War Party split the blanket. . . "