in the middle of (something or some place)
in the middle
In a position between two or more sides in an argument or contentious issue, often leaving one without a clear course of action to satisfy either side. When my friends broke up, I was often caught in the middle, as each one complained to me about the other.
See also: middle
in the middle of (something or some place)
1. Literally, physically located at the center of something or some place. We're in the middle of the crowd, so it will take us a while to push our way out. Listening to my music, I wandered until I realized I was in the middle of the woods, with no idea which path I took.
2. During, in the midst of, or while currently engaging in something, such as an activity. I'm in the middle of a meeting right now, can I call you back? Then, right in the middle of the concert, he walked offstage.
See also: middle, of
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
in the middle of
1. Also, in the midst of. During, while engaged in, as in He stopped him in the middle of his speech, or I'm in the midst of calculating my income tax. The first expression dates from about 1600, the second from about 1500. Also see in the midst.
2. in the middle of nowhere. In a very remote location, as in We found a great little hotel, out in the middle of nowhere. [Early 1900s]
See also: middle, of
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
in the middle
1. In a difficult situation: caught in the middle of a controversy.
2. Engaged in doing something: I'm in the middle of making dinner.
See also: middle
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
- caught in the middle
- in the middle
- in the middle of
- be caught in the middle
- get into an argument
- argue the point
- get into an argument about (someone or something)
- get into an argument about (someone or something) with (someone)
- get into an argument over (someone or something) with (someone)
- get into an argument with (someone) about (someone or something)