SEPARATION
parting of the ways
a point at which people separate and go their own ways. (Often with come to a, arrive at a, reach a, etc.)Jane and Bob finally came to a parting of the ways.Bill and his parents reached a parting of the ways.
separate the men from the boys
to separate the competent from those who are less competent.This is the kind of task that separates the men from the boys.This project requires a lot of thinking. It'll separate the men from the boys.
split people up
to separate two or more people (from one another).If you two don't stop chattering, I'll have to split you up.The group of people grew too large, so we had to split them up.I will have to split up that twosome in the corner.
split up
1.
in. to separate.
The two split up and went their separate ways.They couldn't get along, so they split up.
2.
n. an act of separating or breaking up. (Usually split-up.)
Everyone was mentally prepared for the company's split-up.The split-up caused neither surprise nor grief.