between (someone or something) and (someone or something else)
1. Of a choice, restricted to two available people, things, actions, etc. We have to choose between the candidate with the most experience and the one with the most qualifications. It looks like I'll have to pick between sleeping and finishing this research paper tonight. Let's see, in our price range, we get to choose between one lousy studio apartment and another equally lousy studio apartment—how exciting!
2. Of a communication, existing or intended to remain solely between two parties. Between you and me, I heard that Greg is going to get the promotion. Yeah, the rumor is true, but let's keep that between me and you. Between you and me, Stephanie is not as qualified for this job as she claims to be.
3. Of an interaction, reciprocally involving or concerning the two parties named. At lunchtime, a fight broke out between Scott and the school bully. Hey, this is between you and Amanda, I had nothing to do with it! Please don't involve yourself in this disagreement between me and my husband, OK? It's none of your business!
4. Indicating the negative cumulative impact or effect of two people or things. Between the stress of work and the demands of my kids at home, I just feel like I don't have anything left for myself at the end of the day. Yeah, between the rain and the cold, camping was really a bust. Let's see, between my failing marriage and my failing acting career, not much is going right for me lately.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.