play both ends



play both ends (against the middle)

Fig. [for one] to scheme in a way that pits two sides against each other (for one's own gain). 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.
See also: both, end, play

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Cveta-Serbian
Mohinder-Indian (Sikh)
JaneyJAY-neeEnglish
EugÉNieuu-zhe-NEEFrench
Amati[ə'ma:ti]
Charles[tʃɑ:lz]