Wiktionary
play both ends against the middle
vb. (alternative form of play both sides against the middle English)
Usage examples of "play both ends against the middle".
He wasn't sure what to make of Authari, which probably meant Authari would play both ends against the middle if he thought he saw a chance.
We can both come out of this as two rich and powerful foxes if we play both ends against the middle.
Min had named her as one he held in his hand, yet Aes Sedai always found a way to play both ends against the middle.