in the middle

phrase

: in a difficult, awkward, or unpleasant position
They were feuding and she didn't want to get caught in the middle.

Examples of in the middle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
On Monday night local time, the system was in the middle of the Bay of Bengal, where water temperatures are around 86 degrees Fahrenheit. — Aoife Walsh, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026 This one folds into three sections with a large section in the middle and two smaller ones on the edges. — Editors Of Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026 Defense with a clear weakness The Jayhawks rank in the middle of the pack or slightly below average in the Big 12 in most defensive categories, but the unit has a glaring issue that teams have been able to exploit. — Steven Johnson october 27, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Oct. 2026 The industry is in the middle of a structural reformulation wave because of it. — Arabelle Sicardi, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for in the middle

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1928, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of in the middle was circa 1928

Rhymes for in the middle

See All Rhymes for in the middle

Browse Nearby Words

in the melting pot
in the middle
in the middle of
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Cite this Entry

“In the middle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20the%20middle. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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