meet someone where they are

present singular third person meets someone where they are · participle present meeting someone where they are · participle past met someone where they were · past met someone where they were

1. To approach a person in a way that suits them and takes into account their personal perspectives or skill level.

   I believe what helps a leader influence is being able to meet someone where they are at in order to communicate in a language that inspires a positive behaviour.

   2015, Patricia Lustig, Strategic Foresight: Learning from the Future, page 171

   1 more example

   It's the ultimate in unselfishness to meet someone where they are in hopes of helping them come to know Jesus. What about you? Are you willing to meet people where they are in order to share the truth of the Gospel?

   2021, Chris Thomas, Chris Notes, page 53

   Antonyms: impose, obtrude