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monkey in the middle
01
真ん中の猿
a children's game in which two players throw a ball at each other in a manner that prevents the third player from catching the ball
02
議論や喧嘩で誰も支持しない人
a person who is in the middle of two fighting or arguing sides
What is the origin of the idiom "monkey in the middle" and when to use it?
The origin of the idiom "monkey in the middle" can be traced back to the game of catch or soccer, where players form a circle and try to keep the ball away from one participant positioned in the middle. Figuratively, it refers to a situation where someone is caught or trapped between two opposing forces or groups, often being used as a target or subject of teasing, manipulation, or exclusion.