on the same page
Meaning
To have the same understanding, goals, or information; to be in agreement.
Origin
From the idea of everyone reading from the same page of a book or script—literally aligned on the same content—later generalized to shared understanding and agreement in work and communication.
Notes
Common in work/meetings to confirm shared understanding or alignment. Often about clarity/communication, not necessarily total agreement on every detail.
Examples
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Before we start the project, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page about the timeline.
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I thought we were on the same page, but it turns out you expected a different outcome.
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The manager repeated the goal in the meeting so everyone would be on the same page.
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Are you and your client on the same page regarding the budget and scope?
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Once we got on the same page about the priorities, the team moved much faster.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used with forms of “be”: “we’re on the same page.” Can be followed by “about + noun/gerund” (“about the plan”). Often used in questions/negatives: “Are we…?” “We’re not…”.
Synonyms
- in agreement
- aligned
- on the same wavelength
- see eye to eye
- on the same track
Antonyms
- at cross purposes
- on different pages
- misunderstand each other