Politics makes for strange bedfellows

Question

Could you explain the meaning of the phrase used as the subject and when it is appropriate to use it? There is a twin phrase "politics makes strange bedfellows". The last variant is quite clear. Could you pinpoint the difference between the two phrases?

Usenet · Accepted Answer

[nq:1]Could you explain the meaning of the phrase used as the subject and when it is appropriate to use it? There is a twin phrase "politics makes strange bedfellows". The last variant is quite clear. Could you pinpoint the difference between the two phrases?[/nq]
I know it in the first instance. it means politics brings together people that might not usually be allies. Take the case of republicans helping Ralph Nader get on the ballot, they disagree with everything he stands for but his running helps them by hurting the Democrats by splitting their vote.

I think "makes strange bedfellows" is less clear.

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]Could you explain the meaning of the phrase used as the subject and when it is appropriate to use it? There is a twin phrase "politics makes strange bedfellows". The last variant is quite clear. Could you pinpoint the difference between the two phrases?[/nq]
From Allwords.com:
Phrasal Verb: make for something
To bring it about; to have it as a specific result. Example: Fine weather makes for an enjoyable holiday

This is a good example because the alternative "Fine weather makes an enjoyable holiday" suggests that the weather is the sole determining factor it doesn't matter if you hate the people you are with, you'll enjoy the holiday as long as the weather is good.
"Fine weather makes for an enjoyable holiday" adds the proviso: all other factors being equal.
So in your case "politics makes strange bedfellows" means that it of the nature of politics to create them, whereas "politics makes for strange bedfellows" means that politics can or may create them.

The difference in meaning is not very great.
Gary

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]Could you explain the meaning of the phrase used as the subject and when it is appropriate to use it? There is a twin phrase "politics makes strange bedfellows". The last variant is quite clear. Could you pinpoint the difference between the two phrases?[/nq]
IIRC, the original statement was "Politics and war make strange bedfellows", or is that redundant?

dg

Politics makes for strange bedfellows

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