choose sides

idiom

: to divide a group into two teams that will play against each other
When we chose sides in gym class, I was always the last person to be picked to be on a team.
often used figuratively
They are forcing us to choose sides in the dispute.

Examples of choose sides in a Sentence

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Its smaller members will be increasingly forced to choose sides, but larger members—such as India and Indonesia—will have more leverage to play global powers against each other for greater self-interest. George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024 Which, in turn, could put Batman in a difficult position of having to choose sides, even if only temporarily. Mark Hughes, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024 The current system forces people to choose sides — not find solutions. Dana Afana, Detroit Free Press, 4 Dec. 2024 Once Ireland’s election result is clear, the first task for its leaders may be to choose sides – solidarity with Europe and active participation in the EU defence effort, or a singular, eccentric relationship with the Trump administration. Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for choose sides 

Dictionary Entries Near choose sides

Cite this Entry

“Choose sides.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/choose%20sides. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.

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