monkey in the middle

English

Noun

monkey in the middle (countable and uncountable, plural monkeys in the middle)

1. (children's games, uncountable) A children's game in which two players keep an object away from a third player (who is in between them) by throwing it past that player.
2. (figuratively, by extension, countable) A middleman, particularly in a difficult spot or situation.

Synonyms

• pig in the middle (British)
• keep-away (US)