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bring to a head

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bring something to a head

to cause something to come to the point when a decision has to be made or action taken. The latest disagreement between management and the union has brought matters to a head. There will be an all-out strike now. It's a relief that things have been brought to a head. The disputes have been going on for months.

See also: bring, head

bring to a head

Cause to reach a turning point or crisis. For example, Management's newest policy has brought matters to a head. The related phrase come to a head means "to reach a crisis," as in With the last break-in, the question of security came to a head. These phrases allude to the medical sense of head, the tip of an abscess that is about to burst. [Mid-1500s]

See also: bring, head