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Region: General | Usage example: He tried to keep a foot in both camps during the negotiations.

Foot in both camps

Meaning

Support two opposing sides at once.

Usage

Used to describe someone straddling conflicting loyalties.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Political imagery of straddling two opposing armies or sides.

Used in diplomatic writing from the early twentieth century.

Related Idioms

Best of both worlds

Enjoying two desirable but usually incompatible things.

Shoot yourself in the foot

Harm yourself through your own actions.

Put your best foot forward

Present yourself in the best possible light.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.