be / get caught in the crossfire

/biː ɡɛt kˈɔːt ɪnðə kɹˈɒsfaɪə/

/biː ɡɛt kˈɔːt ɪnðə kɹˈɔsfaɪɚ/

[phrase]

to be / get caught in the crossfire

[PHRASE]

to unintentionally become a part of an argument other people are having

Examples

1. Gordon had close business ties to both companies so when they sued each other he got caught in the crossfire.

2. I was caught in the crossfire of their argument over the budget, but I refused to take sides and told them to work it out on their own.

3. Against an enemy that's constantly adapting, I can tell you, these tools they're developing are not perfect so it is not unreasonable to expect that every once and a while, unfortunately, there's gonna be an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire. -

4. Now to life on the ground for Palestinians and Israelis caught in the crossfire of war.