caught in the crossfire

caught in the crossfire

1. Literally in the middle of an exchange of gunfire. Police officers are often caught in the crossfire when apprehending criminals.
2. Affected by or made to be involved in a conflict or issue that one is not a part of. 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.
See also: caught, crossfire
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

caught in the crossfire

 
1. Lit. trapped between two lines of enemy fire. I was caught in the crossfire and dove into a ditch to keep from getting killed.
2. and caught in the middle Fig. caught between two arguing people or groups, making it difficult to remain neutral. Bill and Ann were arguing, and poor Bobby, their son, was caught in the middle.
See also: caught, crossfire
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
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References in periodicals archive ?
"It appears there were two separate groups that were targeting each other, and these people were just caught in the crossfire," Atlanta Police Captain William Ricker told (https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/2-shot-near-clark-atlanta-university-library-police-say/977876297) WSB, an ABC affiliate in Atlanta.
Four Students Shot Following Argument Outside Atlanta Library
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has already sent a team to investigate the death of a three-year-old girl caught in the crossfire during a police anti-drug operation in Rodriguez town, Rizal province.
CHR team now probing 3-year-old girl's death in police anti-drug operation
One civilian caught in the crossfire died, while a wounded woman and child were taken to hospital.
15 killed in bloody raid on Sri Lankan terror factory
It is very sad and tragic that another incident has happened in which a young medical student has been caught in the crossfire between police and robbers resulting in her death.
Loss of an innocent life
The serial killer is making his way back to the Cobbles and someone is due to get caught in the crossfire.
THIS is Pat Phelan's next victim - according to the bookies; The street resident is set to get caught up in Phelan's reign of terror
Around one minute and 15 seconds into the clip, she then screams while falling to the floor after being caught in the crossfire.
Terrifying moment woman filming shootout on mobile phone hit by stray bullet when she's caught in crossfire; WARNING DISTRESSING FOOTAGE: The horrific incident occurred in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, alongside a busy main road while the woman filmed from a sheltered forecourt
We rejoin the team at a refugee camp in France, where Dylan's frustration gets the better of him, and a burning bottle causes another struggle for Jez as Robyn and baby Charlotte are at risk of being caught in the crossfire.
SATURDAY AUGUST 26; TV GUIDE
Mr Manfredi said a 64-year-old man who was caught in the crossfire got shot in the arm.
Shooting at San Francisco Pride; WORLD BULLETINS
Summary: The consulate was reportedly caught in the crossfire between rival Libyan armed factions, but no casualties were reported.
Moroccan Consulate in Libya Attacked
Solomon is caught in the crossfire and seeks respite in the company of abolitionist Bass (Brad Pitt), who believes "slavery is an evil that should befall none".
on dvd
Rhys was caught in the crossfire of a gang fight in 2007.
Rhys can't visit me, why can his killer's accomplice see his mum? yob to be allowed in ban zone
The bill is titled "An Act to provide compensation, reimbursement for hospitalisation expenses, and other benefits, to civilians caught in the crossfire between rebels and the military, and for other purposes," or the "Civilian Compensation Act of 2013."
Philippines mulls law to compensate victims of war on rebels
After the 11-year-old was tragically caught in the crossfire of a shooting as he walked to football practice, his parents Melanie and Stephen Jones set up a trust fund in his memory.
GO AHEAD FOR RHYS CENTRE
THE artistic partnership kennardphillipps, Peter Kennard and Cat Picton Phillips, whose work is on show in Coventry at the Herbert's current exhibition Caught In The Crossfire, will be carry ing out a residency at the gallery from Wednesday until February 17.
BRUSH STROKES
A BRITISH tourist has been shot dead at a New Year's Eve party in Thailand after getting caught in the crossfire of a gun fight between local gangs.
Tourist shot at party
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