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

F1's bosses are caught in the middle of this debate, recognising the superficial appeal of the back-and-forth racing, but concerned about what the new cars are doing to the sport they grew up loving because they were attracted by its essence as the ultimate test of driver and machine.

From BBC

It was a time of both freedom and mandated restraint, and Goldin’s older sister, Barbara, was caught in the middle.

From Salon

With two young children and aging relatives, Kelly, who’s 45, says he is caught in the middle.

From MarketWatch

For now, Warsh’s nomination is caught in the middle of that fight.

From Barron's

For now, Warsh’s nomination is caught in the middle of that fight.

From Barron's