play both sides against the middle

To manipulate two opposing sides of an argument, conflict, competition, etc., against one another for one's own benefit or advantage. My father and my uncle are engaged in a bitter business rivalry. If I can play both sides against the middle, I might be able to secure some sizeable investments for my own company. Janet really dislikes Mary and wants to date her boyfriend, Mike, so she's been playing both sides against the middle to get them to break up.

词组	play both sides against the middle
释义	play both sides against the middle play both sides against the middle To manipulate two opposing sides of an argument, conflict, competition, etc., against one another for one's own benefit or advantage. My father and my uncle are engaged in a bitter business rivalry. If I can play both sides against the middle, I might be able to secure some sizeable investments for my own company. Janet really dislikes Mary and wants to date her boyfriend, Mike, so she's been playing both sides against the middle to get them to break up. See also: both, middle, play, side Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. See also: play (someone) off against (someone) play both ends play both ends against the middle play both ends against the middle, to play each end against the other play each side against the other play off against play one against another play one end against the other play one side against the other References in periodicals archive And as ever, he wants to play both sides against the middle. So there's the offensive stuff that will appeal to Tory right-wingers and potential [UK Independence Party] voters ... Boris Johnson Would Like Your Attention What will happen to this brave woman who dares, in one sense, to play both sides against the middle? This tale of betrayal, honor, and un-waving courage I will leave to the reader of The Time in Between. Regis' Bookshelf
随便看	restrict to restroom rest (squarely) on (someone's) shoulders rest up rest upon (something) rest with rest with (someone or something) rest your case result result from result from (something) result in result in (something) resurrect resurrect from resurrect (something) from (something) ret retail retail at retail at (something) retail for retail for (something) retailing retail to retail to (someone or something)