split the blanket

Verb

split the blanket (third-person singular simple present splits the blanket, present participle splitting the blanket, simple past and past participle split the blanket)

1. To terminate a marriage or marriage-like relationship; to divorce or permanently separate.
   • It mattered to no one that he already had a wife, a white woman named Eliza Allen: they'd split the blanket and dwelt apart, and among the Indians, the Indian marriage took, though not for life nor even long.1995, John B. Sanford, A Book of American Women, →ISBN, page 33
   • After that, Mrs. Transome said that she knew it was time to "split the blanket." She has put up with his temperamental behavior and alcoholism for years.2002, Martha B. Hook, Acts by E-Mail, →ISBN, page 187
2. (broadly) To dissolve a partnership.
   • "Well, I reckon that splits the blanket," said Will. "Now he knows we ain't buyin' his shakedown, I reckon he'll loose them pet Comanches on us."1992, Ralph Compton, The Goodnight Trail: The Trail Drive, →ISBN, page 24
   • Jimmy Johnson had the most complete control of the team when he was here. Why do you think that Jones and Johnson split the blanket?..hmmm?...Jones wanted complete control and Johnson didnt want him to have it.1997 September 19, King Consultant, “This is a test of TRUE character”, in alt.sports.football.pro.dallas-cowboys (Usenet)