in the midst of (something)

1. While something else is happening. Our power went out right in the midst of Thanksgiving dinner! So the rest of the night was spent by candlelight. The company is trying to deal with this issue in the midst of a major financial crisis. I couldn't answer the door right then because my kids were in the midst of throwing a tantrum.

2. In the middle of a particular place. I can't believe there's a botanical garden in the midst of all these rundown houses. There used to be a bubblegum factory in the midst of this suburban neighborhood? Wow. I hate that a train line runs in the midst of our quiet town.

in the ˈmidst of something/of doing something

while something is happening or being done; while you are doing something: a country in the midst of a recession ♢ She discovered it in the midst of sorting out her father’s things.

in the midst of something/of doing something

in the midst of (something)

in the ˈmidst of something/of doing something