What does ireconcilable difference mean? is this for married people only?

Question

What does ireconcilable difference mean? is this for married people only?

Answer 1

Just look at the Israeli - Palestinian problem... a classic example of irreconcilable difference.

Let's make it a rule that if a problem can only be solved with a nuclear weapon... then it's irreconcilable.

Answer 2

It might also mean an External Auditor caught a crooked accountant cooking the books.

Answer 3

No, it is not only married couples who have irreconcilable difference/s.  It could happen between friends, between factions who cannot see the same thing and are often in disagreement.  Like the opposition and the administration.  They don't see eye to eye on issues and never will they agree or concur with each other.  Their differences or disagreements are such that any move to reconcile them is an impossible feat.

Answer 4

I agree with RED's explanation of irreconcilable difference.  

I believe that this situation is also applicable to business partners ( specially on financial matters and on business policies / direction ) or to a supervisor - worker ( how to get work done / the process ) relationships.  

Have a nice day !

Answer 5

It means there's a disagreement that can't be solved. Whatever the two people disagree on (the disagreement is the 'difference' part), neither of them are willing to come to a solution that works for both parties (the irreconcilable part)

Answer 6

No it isn't restricted to married couples. It can actually apply to all walks of life, even here on YAP.

Take as an example two people or even two groups of people: one person says that it's ok to cheat, troll, etc.here on YAP as it "doesn't affect anyone" while the other maintains it is not fair to all and sundry and that the trolling and cheating should stop or at least be vastly reduced. Neither want to capitulate or give in: that is an "irreconcilable differences."

What is amazing is the number of people that "turn a blind eye to the proceedings" and yet this same group complains about the graft and corruption going on in the Philippines. Strange is it not?

Answer 7

Its a generic way to say that two people are never going to "get along".  In California it's the most common reason cited for seeking a divorce.

Answer 8

when one says black and the other says white.both would  not settle for gray.