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.

Common Names:

Name	Pronounced	Usage
Marjolijn	MAHR-yo-lien	Dutch
Wenda	WEN-də	English (Rare)
Athelstan	-	History
Akantha	-	Greek Mythology
Sonia	['sɔniə]
Anacletus	-	Ancient Greek (Latinized)