caught in the middle

Idioms  

1. Also, caught in the cross-fire. Between two opposing sides, as in The writers are often caught in the middle between editor and publisher, who are political opponents, or When parents don't get along, the children are often caught in the cross-fire. Long used in military situations, these terms began to be used figuratively in the second half of the 1800s.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

caught in the middle

"Of course, we feel caught in the middle," he added, as he he watched a screen showing fluctuating gold prices across the globe.

From Barron's ● Sep. 3, 2026

Moderately selective private colleges are caught in the middle.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 30, 2026

But for all their anger at being caught in the middle of a war they didn't want and tried hard to avoid, Vaez doubts any are ready to sever their ties with the US military.

From BBC ● Jul. 5, 2026

“For Brent, it was always a focus on people caught in the middle of conflicts,” says Craig Renaud.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 23, 2026

If it’s not, her family will be caught in the middle of another citywide battle for control.

From "Allegiant" by Veronica Roth