Last Updated：2025/11/25

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

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play both sides against the middle

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Source Word

play both sides against the middle

Verb

idiomatic

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

Japanese Meaning

両側の勢力を巧みに利用して、自己の利益を図る / 対立関係にある相手同士を互いに争わせ、有利な状況を作り出す / 中立的な立場を利用して、双方を操る

What is this buttons?

She decided to play both sides against the middle to secure a better deal from the company.

Google Translation / DeepL Translation

彼女はより有利な条件を引き出すために、両陣営を利用して自分に有利になるように仕向けた。

Details

Sense（1）

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

Some of the lesser Democrats, especially in the remoter reaches of the Bible country, have the same yearning, but they are not as numerous as the Republicans, all of whom have been greatly embarrassed by Dr. Hoover's laborious efforts to play both sides against the middle.

Google Translation / DeepL Translation

Details

plays both sides against the middle

（ present singular third-person ）

playing both sides against the middle

（ participle present ）

played both sides against the middle

（ participle past ）

played both sides against the middle

（ past ）

Details

play both sides against the middle

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play both sides against the middle

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