play both sides against the middle: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘play both sides against the middle’ mean?
"Play both sides against the middle" means to manipulate or exploit two opposing parties or groups in order to benefit oneself or reach a personal advantage. This idiom suggests a strategic move of pitting two opposing forces against each other while positioning oneself in the middle to leverage the situation for personal gain.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "serve two masters" means to try to please or be loyal to two conflicting or opposing parties at the same time. It is often used to illustrate a situation where a person is torn between two conflicting responsibilities or allegiances.
"Play it for all it's worth" means to take full advantage of a situation or opportunity to benefit oneself, often by using all available resources or skills to maximize the potential outcome.
The idiom "play it cool" means to remain calm and composed in a situation, especially when feeling nervous or under pressure. It involves maintaining a nonchalant or unaffected attitude to hide one's true emotions or intentions.
The idiom "play hob with" means to cause trouble or disruption, often leading to negative consequences or difficulties.
The idiom "play hardball" means to act aggressively, ruthlessly, or without compromise, typically in a competitive or confrontational situation.
The idiom "play games" means to behave in a deceptive or manipulative way, often for personal gain or advantage.
The idiom "play games" is commonly used to refer to situations or behaviors that involve deception, manipulation, or lack of straightforwardness. It can be traced back to the early 19th century and has been extensively used in literature, conversations, and media.
The idiom "play for time" means to delay taking action in order to gain more time or to avoid making a decision immediately.
The idiom *play for love* means to engage in an activity solely for personal enjoyment or passion, without any expectation of financial gain or external recognition.
The idiom "play first fiddle" means to have the dominant or leading role in a situation or group.
The idiom "play first fiddle" is used in the English language to describe someone who occupies a prominent and influential position. Originating from the world of music, specifically orchestras, it refers to the lead violinist or concertmaster who plays the first violin part. This metaphorical phrase carries a sense of authority, importance, and dominance.
The Manipulator's Dance
"Play both sides against the middle" is an idiom that refers to a strategy of manipulating different parties or factions to benefit oneself. This idiom is often used in a negative context, implying that the person using this strategy is being deceitful or untrustworthy. One possible explanation for its origins is its connection to the game of poker.
In poker, players can strategically play their opponents against each other by subtly encouraging conflict or distrust. By doing this, they can benefit from the chaos and confusion created by the opposing parties. The term "play both sides against the middle" could have emerged as a metaphorical extension of this poker strategy, highlighting the manipulative nature of someone trying to gain an advantage.
Another theory suggests that this idiom may have its roots in medieval times. It is hypothesized that during conflicts or negotiations, a mediator or arbitrator would position themselves in the middle, trying to appease both sides and find a compromise. However, some individuals may have taken advantage of this position and attempted to gain favors or advantages from both parties by playing them against each other.
Regardless of its exact origins, the idiom "play both sides against the middle" is commonly used today in various contexts, such as politics, business, and personal relationships. It describes individuals who manipulate opposing parties for their own benefit. Using this idiom implies a sense of cunning and deceitful behavior, suggesting that those who employ this strategy may not be trustworthy or genuine in their intentions.
Another related idiom is "butter one's bread on both sides." This idiom means to take advantage of a situation or opportunity to the greatest extent possible. It is similar to "play both sides against the middle" in that it also involves benefiting oneself by exploiting multiple parties simultaneously.
When someone "butters their bread on both sides," they are making sure to maximize their advantage or gain from a particular situation. This can be seen as a selfish or opportunistic approach, as it prioritizes personal gain over fairness or consideration for others.
Similarly, when someone "plays games," they are engaging in manipulative or deceitful behavior for personal gain. This idiom is often used to describe individuals who are not straightforward or honest in their dealings. It may involve tactics such as lying, cheating, or manipulating others to achieve desired outcomes.
The idiom "play games" is related to both "play both sides against the middle" and "butter one's bread on both sides." Like these other idioms, it conveys a sense of cunning and deceitful behavior. It suggests that those who "play games" are not to be trusted or relied upon, as they may have ulterior motives or hidden agendas.
The idiom "play both sides against the middle" represents a strategy of manipulating different parties for personal gain. While its precise origins are unknown, it is often associated with the world of poker or medieval negotiations. Regardless of its origins, this idiom continues to be used today to describe those who employ cunning tactics to their advantage. Its usage conveys a sense of deceitfulness and lack of trustworthiness, painting a cautionary picture of those who resort to such manipulative strategies.
Example usage
Examples:
- He is playing both sides against the middle by telling one friend one thing and another friend something completely different.
- The politician is known for playing both sides against the middle in order to gain support from different interest groups.
- She may be playing both sides against the middle by pretending to be friends with both parties, but in reality, she is just using them for personal gain.
More "Manipulation" idioms
