ally
supporter on your side
A person, group, or country that helps and supports another side, especially in politics or war.
[someone/something] is an ally of [someone/something]
- Canada has long been a close ally of the United States.
- During the war, several smaller countries became allies of the major powers.
- She knew she would need strong allies inside the company to push through the changes.
- The party’s main allies in parliament threatened to withdraw their support.
- Finding allies among local leaders was crucial to the success of the project.
- France was an important ally in the war.
- We need strong allies if we want to win this fight.
- He is a key ally of the president.
- Small countries often look for powerful allies.
- The workers found allies in the local community.
supporter of a marginalized group
A person who is not part of a minority group but works to support and help that group.
[someone] is an ally to [a group]
- As a straight ally, he speaks out against homophobia at work.
- The training teaches managers how to be effective allies to Black employees.
- Many companies now encourage staff to join LGBTQ+ ally networks.
- Being an ally means listening more than you speak.
- She thanked her allies for standing beside her community during the protest.
- He is not gay, but he is an LGBTQ+ ally.
- Good allies listen to the people they want to help.
- The group needs more allies in positions of power.
- She tries to be an ally to people with disabilities.
- Being an ally means you speak up when you see unfair treatment.
join with someone for support
To connect yourself or your group with another group or cause so you can support each other.
to ally [yourself/something] with [someone/something]
- Several small parties allied themselves with the government to form a majority.
- The company has allied with local charities to improve its public image.
- He refused to ally himself with any political faction.
- The rebels allied themselves with foreign troops against the regime.
- Environmental groups have allied with farmers to fight the new law.
- The two groups decided to ally themselves with each other.
- They do not want to ally with that party.
- Some countries allied with the United States.
- The workers allied themselves with the students during the protest.
- Our company will ally with a local partner in Asia.
helpful thing that supports you
A thing that helps you and makes it easier for you to reach your goal.
[something] is an ally in [activity]
- In language learning, curiosity can be your greatest ally.
- Good sleep is a powerful ally in fighting illness.
- Technology has become an important ally for small businesses.
- In this climate, time is not our ally.
- A simple checklist can be an unexpected ally against mistakes.
- Sleep is your best ally during exams.
- Practice is an important ally when you learn a new skill.
- Water can be a strong ally on a hot day.
- In this game, speed is your ally.
- Planning ahead is a good ally when you are busy.
- Base: ally
- Plural: allies
- Base: ally
- 3rd Person Singular: allies
- Present Participle: allying
- Past: allied
ally of convenience
1temporary and mainly useful ally
A person, group, or country that you work with only because it is useful now, not because you are true long-term friends.
- Many saw the militia as an ally of convenience rather than a trusted partner.
- The two companies are allies of convenience in this lawsuit.
- History shows that allies of convenience can quickly become rivals.
ally oneself with
1join yourself with another side
To decide to support another person or group and work together with them.
- Several smaller parties chose to ally themselves with the ruling coalition.
- Fearing isolation, the company allied itself with a larger competitor.
- He refused to ally himself with either side in the dispute.
be an ally
1act as a supportive ally
To behave in a way that helps and supports a group you are not a member of, especially a minority or marginalized group.
- If you want to be an ally, start by listening.
- The workshop teaches managers how to be allies to LGBTQ+ staff.
- Being an ally means taking action, not just using the right words.
close ally
1very strong and trusted ally
A person, group, or country that supports you very strongly and has a very good, trusting relationship with you.
- Germany is a close ally of France within the European Union.
- She has been a close ally of the mayor for many years.
- The organization needs close allies inside the government to make real change.
key ally
1especially important ally
An ally that is very important to your plan or success.
- Japan is a key ally of the United States in the region.
- Young voters became a key ally in passing the new law.
- The unions will be a key ally in any attempt at reform.
natural ally
1likely supporter due to shared interests
Someone or something that would normally support you because you want similar things or share the same problems.
- Environmental groups see farmers as natural allies on this issue.
- Small businesses are natural allies of local government on downtown renewal.
- Students can be natural allies of teachers when it comes to improving schools.
political ally
1supporter in politics
A person or group in politics that supports your ideas or your party and works together with you.
- She met with key political allies to discuss the vote.
- The governor has lost several important political allies over the issue.
- He is seen as a close political ally of the prime minister.
staunch ally
1very firm and loyal ally
An ally who supports you very strongly and does not change their support easily.
- He remained a staunch ally of the president even during the scandal.
- The senator has long been a staunch ally of the healthcare industry.
- They are staunch allies of animal-rights groups.
strategic ally
1ally for long-term advantage
A country, company, or group that you choose as an ally because it gives you long-term advantages, for example in security, business, or power.
- Australia is considered a strategic ally in the Pacific region.
- The firm is looking for a strategic ally in the Asian market.
- Being a strategic ally of the U.S. brings both benefits and risks.
true ally
1genuinely supportive ally
A person who really supports you or your group and shows it with actions, not just words.
- She proved to be a true ally during the crisis.
- A true ally is ready to give up some of their own comfort or power.
- Many people call themselves allies, but few are true allies when things get difficult.