I told my brother that Mary doesn't like him. Then I told Mary that my brother doesn't like her. They broke up, so now I can have the car this weekend. I succeeded in playing both ends against the middle.
•If you try to play both ends, you're likely to get in trouble with both sides.
Dictionary of American idioms. 2013.
play both ends against the middle — ► play both ends against the middle keep one s options open by supporting opposing sides. Main Entry: ↑play … English terms dictionary
play both ends against the middle — phrasal : to play off opposing interests against each other to one s own ultimate profit * * * play both ends against the middle informal phrase to make two people or groups oppose each other so that you can gain something Thesaurus: to cause… … Useful english dictionary
play both ends against the middle — American, informal to try to make two people or groups compete with each other in order to get an advantage for yourself. He s playing both ends against the middle telling two prospective employers that the other has offered a higher salary … New idioms dictionary
play both ends against the middle — phrasal to set opposing interests against each other to one s own ultimate profit … New Collegiate Dictionary
play both ends against the middle — place two sides in opposition in order to try and attain an advantage … English contemporary dictionary
play both ends against the middle — informal to make two people or groups oppose each other so that you can gain something … English dictionary
play both ends against the middle — idi to maneuver opposing groups in order to benefit oneself … From formal English to slang
play — ► VERB 1) engage in games or other activities for enjoyment rather than for a serious or practical purpose. 2) take part in (a sport or contest). 3) compete against. 4) take a specified position in a sports team. 5) represent (a character) in a… … English terms dictionary
play — [plā] vi. [ME plein < OE plegan, to play, be active] 1. to move lightly, rapidly, or erratically; flutter [sunlight playing on the waves] 2. to amuse oneself, as by taking part in a game or sport; engage in recreation 3. to take active part in … English World dictionary
play — playingly, adv. playless, adj. playlike, adj. /play/, n. 1. a dramatic composition or piece; drama. 2. a dramatic performance, as on the stage. 3. exercise or activity for amusement or recreation. 4. fun or jest, as opposed to seriousness: I said … Universalium
play — /pleɪ / (say play) noun 1. a dramatic composition or piece; a drama. 2. a dramatic performance, as on the stage. 3. exercise or action by way of amusement or recreation. 4. fun, jest, or trifling, as opposed to earnest: he said it merely in play …
