play both ends against the middle

Verb

alt-of alternative

Alternative form of play both sides against the middle

Japanese Meaning

両陣営や両側の立場を利用して、自分に有利な状況を作り出すこと。 / 双方の力や好意を交互に引き出し、中間の立場や状況を巧妙に操ること。

To secure the best deal, he tried to play both ends against the middle, negotiating separately with each supplier.

最高の取引を得るために、彼は双方を利用して自分に有利にしようとし、それぞれの仕入先と個別に交渉した。

Sense（1）

Alternative form of play both sides against the middle

plays both ends against the middle

（ present singular third-person ）

playing both ends against the middle

（ participle present ）

played both ends against the middle

（ participle past ）

played both ends against the middle

（ past ）