THE MIDDLE Meaning and
Definition
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The term "the middle" refers to the central position within a range, continuum, or hierarchy of something. It denotes the space between two extremes or opposite sides. It can apply to various contexts, such as physical, spatial, conceptual, or metaphorical.
In a physical sense, "the middle" represents the central part of a region, object, or structure. It could refer to the midpoint of a line or the core of a department store where different sections converge. In spatial terms, "the middle" stands for the area between two contrasting locations or regions.
Conceptually, "the middle" describes a state of balance or moderation. It implies avoiding extremes and finding equilibrium. In political discussions, it indicates a position that seeks compromise and consensus between opposing ideologies.
Metaphorically, "the middle" can symbolize a transitional phase, mediation, or neutrality. It may represent a transitional stage between two significant oints or a place where influences from different directions converge.
Overall, "the middle" signifies a position that is neither too high nor too low, neither excessively far in one direction nor the other. It is a term that encompasses multiple meanings depending on the context, emphasizing the central point, relationship, or state between two contrasting aspects.
Common Misspellings for THE MIDDLE
Etymology of THE MIDDLE
The word middle has its origins in Old English as middel, derived from the Proto-Germanic word medjô. This Proto-Germanic term has Indo-European roots and is related to the Latin word medius and the Greek word mesos, both meaning middle. The word has remained relatively unchanged over the centuries, transitioning from Old English middel to Middle English middel and finally to the Modern English form middle.
Idioms with the word THE MIDDLE
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in the middle
The idiom "in the middle" typically refers to being in a position equidistant from two extremes or opposing sides. It can also imply being caught between two conflicting parties or situations.
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(out) in the middle of nowhere
The idiom "(out) in the middle of nowhere" refers to a remote or isolated location, far away from any cities, towns, or populated areas. It implies being in a place that is difficult to access or unfamiliar, often characterized by a lack of amenities or civilization.
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Don't change horses in the middle of the river.
The idiom "Don't change horses in the middle of the river" means not to make significant changes or decisions in the midst of a task or situation that is already in progress. It advises against switching plans, strategies, or approaches when one is already committed to a certain course of action. The idiom is derived from the literal scenario of crossing a river on horseback, where changing horses midstream would be inefficient, risky, and potentially disastrous.
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the middle of nowhere
The idiom "the middle of nowhere" refers to a remote or isolated location, typically far from populated areas or significant landmarks. It describes a place that is difficult to reach or lacks amenities, making it seemingly devoid of civilization or human presence.
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in the middle of (something or someplace)
The idiom "in the middle of (something or someplace)" means being actively engaged or involved in a particular task, situation, or location at the present time. It implies that one is neither just starting nor nearing completion, but at an intermediate stage or position.
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caught in the middle
The idiom "caught in the middle" refers to a situation where someone finds themselves in a difficult position or conflict between two opposing sides or forces. This can involve being torn between two conflicting ideas, loyalties, opinions, or responsibilities, often leading to feelings of confusion, pressure, or being trapped.
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Don't change horses in the middle of the stream.
The idiom "Don't change horses in the middle of the stream" means to avoid making significant changes or switching to a different course of action during the midst of a project, task, or journey. It emphasizes the importance of sticking with the chosen path or strategy until completion, rather than altering plans midway, which could lead to ineffective results or delays. It implies that it is better to remain consistent and committed to a decision rather than diverting or making abrupt changes halfway through.
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play both ends against the middle
The idiom "play both ends against the middle" refers to a manipulative tactic where someone, typically in a position of power or influence, attempts to gain an advantage by pitting two opposing parties or groups against each other. This person remains neutral and benefits by exploiting the conflict or disagreement between the two parties, often by strategically controlling information or resources in order to serve their own interests.
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divide/split (sth) down the middle
The idiom "divide/split (sth) down the middle" means to divide or separate something evenly into two equal parts. It implies an equal or fair distribution or division of a resource, task, responsibility, or any other aspect.
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be in the middle of something/of doing something
The idiom "be in the middle of something/of doing something" means to be actively engaged or involved in the midst of a particular task, action, or situation. It suggests that a person is not yet finished with what they are doing and is still focused on completing it.
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follow/steer/take the middle course/way/path
Follow/steer/take the middle course/way/path is an idiom that means to avoid extremes or to adopt a moderate or balanced approach in any situation. It refers to making decisions or choosing a path that lies between two opposite or extreme options.
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You don't change horses in the middle of the race.
The idiom "You don't change horses in the middle of the race" means that it is not advisable or wise to make a major change or switch strategies halfway through or in the midst of a task, project, or competition. It suggests that it is better to stick with the current course of action and see it through to the end rather than making sudden or unnecessary changes that could negatively impact the outcome.
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be caught in the middle
Being "caught in the middle" is an idiomatic expression that refers to finding oneself in a difficult or uncomfortable situation where two or more conflicting parties or interests are involved. This can result in feeling stuck, forced to choose sides, or dealing with the consequences of the conflict.
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play both sides against the middle
The idiom "play both sides against the middle" refers to a strategy or tactic where an individual or party manipulates or takes advantage of multiple parties or factions in order to benefit themselves. It typically involves creating conflict, confusion, or distrust between two or more opposing groups and positioning oneself as a mediator or negotiator between them, while actually working towards personal gain or hidden agenda.
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piggy in the middle
The idiom "piggy in the middle" refers to a situation where someone is caught between two opposing parties or groups, unable to escape or find a resolution. It can also describe a person who is stuck in the middle of a conflict or dispute, often becoming the target of both sides.
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smack (dab) in the middle
The idiom "smack (dab) in the middle" means to be exactly in the center or middle of something. It refers to being in a prominent and unambiguous position, often indicating being surrounded by other things or situated squarely between two opposing forces or ideas.
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be in the middle of sth
To be in the middle of something means to be actively involved or engaged in a task, situation, or process. It implies that the person is currently occupied with doing something and has not yet completed it.
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in the middle of
The idiom "in the middle of" typically refers to being involved or engaged in an ongoing activity or situation. It suggests being at a point or stage of an event, action, or process, or being amidst a certain condition or circumstance.
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change horses in the middle of the stream Go to
The idiom "change horses in the middle of the stream" means to change plans, strategies, or allegiances while in the midst of a project or task. It implies switching course or making a significant change at a crucial moment when it may be risky or disadvantageous.
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in the middle of sth/doing sth
The idiom "in the middle of something/doing something" refers to being actively engaged or involved in a particular task, activity, or situation. It implies being in the midst of completing something or experiencing an ongoing process.
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Don't swap horses in the middle of the stream.
The idiom "Don't swap horses in the middle of the stream" means that one should not make a major change or decision while already in the midst of completing a task or project. It advises against changing direction or switching plans midway through, as it can disrupt progress and lead to unfavorable outcomes.
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(in) the middle of nowhere
The idiom "(in) the middle of nowhere" refers to a remote or isolated location, typically far away from populated areas or any significant landmarks or amenities. It conveys a sense of being in a place that is hard to access, unpopulated, and lacking any significant signs of civilization.
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knock someone into the middle of next week
The idiom "knock someone into the middle of next week" is typically used figuratively to mean delivering a very powerful blow or hit that incapacitates someone momentarily or forcefully, often resulting in their disorientation or knockout. It implies such a force that the person feels as if they have been thrown into the future, hence "middle of next week."
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Don't swap horses in the middle of the river.
The idiom "Don't swap horses in the middle of the river" means to not change or abandon plans, decisions, or loyalties when you are already in the midst of a task or situation. It advises against making impulsive or hasty changes that may create unnecessary complications or risk. The idiom often emphasizes the importance of staying committed and seeing tasks or endeavors through to completion without making abrupt changes.
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split/divide something down the middle
The idiom "split/divide something down the middle" means to divide or share something equally between two parties or groups. It suggests a fair and equal distribution of resources, responsibilities, or benefits.
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the middle ground
The idiom "the middle ground" refers to a position or solution that lies between two extreme or contrasting views or options. It represents a compromise or a balance between two opposing positions.
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(find, etc.) a/the middle way
To find a middle way means to strike a balance or compromise between two extremes. It refers to finding a solution, approach, or course of action that is neither too extreme nor too passive, but instead lies somewhere in between.
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knock (one) into (the middle of) next week
To severely disorient or shock someone by hitting them very hard, either physically or metaphorically, causing them to lose track of time or consciousness.
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