# play both sides against the middle

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/play-both-sides-against-the-middle
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To manipulate opponents or competitors in a manner which benefits the manipulator.

## Examples

- He plays both sides against the middle to win the argument.
- 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.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.