He plays both sides against the middle to win the argument.
play both sides against the middle
idiomTo manipulate opponents or competitors in a manner which benefits the manipulator.
The manager plays both sides against the middle to keep his employees competing for his favor.
By subtly encouraging the rival factions to distrust one another, the politician played both sides against the middle to secure his own position of power.
- 01
butter one's bread on both sides
To profit from two things at the same time, especially when those things seem contradictory or incompatible.
- 02
child's play
Something particularly easy or simple.
- 03
go play in the traffic
To go elsewhere and feel free to engage in risky behavior; to get lost.
- 04
grandstand play
A successful play or other manoeuvre during a sporting competition in which one or more players shows off unnecessarily in order to entertain or impress the spectators.
- 05
hold-up play
A play where an attacker retains possession of the ball, while the teammates can move up the field.
- 06
knock someone into the middle of next week
To thoroughly beat or trounce someone.
- 07
middle of nowhere
A very remote or secluded area; a nondescript place lacking population, interesting things, or defining characteristics.
- 08
middle of the road
Having a centrist attitude or philosophy; not extreme, especially politically.