take sides

take sides {v. phr.}

To join one group against another in a debate or quarrel.

Switzerland refused to take sides in the two World Wars.

Tom wanted to go fishing. Dick wanted to take a hike. Bob took sides with Tom so they all went fishing.

Compare: LINE UP (4b). Contrast: ON THE FENCE.

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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms

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choose up sides

[choose up sides] {v. phr.} To form two teams with two captains taking turns choosing players. * /The boys chose up sides for a game of softball./ * /Tom and […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

tug-of-war

[tug-of-war] {n.} 1. A game in which two teams pull on opposite ends of a rope, trying to pull the other team over a line marked on the ground. * […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

in the middle

[in the middle] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} In between two sides of an argument; caught between two dangers. * /Mary found herself in the middle of the quarrel between Joyce […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

gang up on

[gang up on] or [gang up against] {v. phr.}, {informal} To jointly attack someone, either physically or verbally; take sides in a group against an individual. * /The class bully […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

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