in the middle

In a position between two or more sides in an argument or contentious issue, often leaving one without a clear course of action to satisfy either side. When my friends broke up, I was often caught in the middle, as each one complained to me about the other. Dude, Mom and Dad are fighting in there. You'll be caught in the middle if you go in now. I know that they're arguing about the budget because I walked into the conference room at the wrong time and was caught in the middle.

in the middle of (something or some place)

1. Literally, physically located at the center of something or some place. We're in the middle of the crowd, so it will take us a while to push our way out. Listening to my music, I wandered until I realized I was in the middle of the woods, with no idea which path I took. Are we still in the middle of this stupid maze? Ugh.

2. During, in the midst of, or while currently engaging in something, such as an activity. I'm in the middle of a meeting right now, can I call you back? Then, right in the middle of the concert, he walked offstage. We were in the middle of a conversation about my finances when my advisor suddenly went on a sidetrack about current events.

in the middle of

1. Also, in the midst of. During, while engaged in, as in He stopped him in the middle of his speech, or I'm in the midst of calculating my income tax. The first expression dates from about 1600, the second from about 1500. Also see in the midst.

2. in the middle of nowhere. In a very remote location, as in We found a great little hotel, out in the middle of nowhere. [Early 1900s]

in the middle

1. In a difficult situation: caught in the middle of a controversy.

2. Engaged in doing something: I'm in the middle of making dinner.