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

That could be a win for consumers and the tech companies behind the agents, but it poses challenges for many e-commerce players caught in the middle.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2026

"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

“I’m kind of caught in the middle of a whirlwind,” Pyburn told the Athletic, “and I’m just trying to play football.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 24, 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

Since I was not from across the tracks or from town, I was caught in the middle.

From "Bless Me, Ultima" by Rudolfo Anaya

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