Take sides ➡️🫂⬅️

Meaning

To support one person or group and oppose another in an argument or disagreement.

Origin

Imagine two warriors locked in a fierce duel, their blades clanging with explosive force. The crowd watches, breath held. Who will they cheer for? Whom will they back? This primal human instinct to align with one contender over another, to declare allegiance in a conflict, is the heart of 'taking sides.' It’s a deeply ingrained behavior, as old as tribal disputes and family feuds, where choosing a faction wasn’t just a matter of opinion, but of survival and loyalty. The phrase captures that moment of decision, that pivot where a neutral observer becomes an active participant, casting their lot with one faction.

🗣️ communication 👑⚖️ power ☠️ risk

Take sides represented with emoji➡️🫂⬅️

This playful arrangement of arrows and embracing figures functions as a delightful illustration of the common phrase 'take sides.' It playfully subverts the notion of strict division by showing directionality leading to an embrace, challenging the viewer to consider how even in disagreement, connection is possible.

Examples

  • When my two best friends argued, I didn't want to take sides.
  • It's often difficult to take sides in a family dispute.
  • The wise old owl refused to take sides, preferring to offer impartial advice to both the bickering squirrels and the argumentative badgers.
  • Even the king's jester found it hard to take sides between the dragon who hoarded all the shiny buttons and the knight who desperately needed them for his new waistcoat.

Frequently asked questions

Is the phrase "take sides" a proverb or an idiom?

The phrase "take sides" is best classified as an idiom. Unlike a proverb, which offers advice or a moral lesson, an idiom is a phrase whose meaning cannot be deduced from the literal meaning of its words.

What's the antonym or opposite of "take sides"?

The opposite of "take sides" is to remain neutral or impartial. Phrases like "stay out of it," "sit on the fence," or "be impartial" convey the idea of not aligning with any particular faction in a dispute.

Can you "take sides" in a situation that isn't a conflict?

While the phrase "take sides" specifically implies alignment in a disagreement or conflict, it can sometimes be used loosely to describe supporting one option over another in a choice or preference. However, its core meaning is tied to disputes.

Is "take sides" a relatively modern phrase or does it have ancient roots?

The concept behind "take sides" is ancient, stemming from the fundamental human tendency to form alliances and factions in tribal societies and early civilizations. The phrase itself, while perhaps formalized later, reflects this primal instinct.

Similar to "take sides"

Jump on the bandwagon
Both involve committing to a cause, but 'jump on the bandwagon' suggests joining a popular or winning movement, often with a hint of opportunism, whereas 'take sides' is about choosing between two opposing parties in a conflict
Throw your hat in the ring
Both signal a commitment to a particular position, but 'throw your hat in the ring' is about entering a competition or contest, implying a desire to compete, while 'take sides' is about aligning within an existing dispute
Plant your flag
Both phrases mean to assert a position, but 'plant your flag' carries a more assertive, territorial feel, like claiming ownership or an unshakeable stance, whereas 'take sides' is about allegiance in a conflict

Opposite of "take sides"

Remain neutral
This argues for maintaining a detached stance, directly opposing the commitment inherent in 'take sides,' and highlights the value of impartiality rather than entrenchment
Bridge the divide
This advocates for reconciliation, standing in sharp contrast to the divisive act of 'taking sides,' and champions unity over partisan loyalty
Play devil's advocate
This encourages challenging established views without necessarily endorsing the opposition, offering a contrarian perspective that thrives on ambiguity, unlike the clear commitment of 'taking sides'

Related to "take sides"

Pick a lane
Both phrases involve a choice and commitment, but 'pick a lane' is more about personal focus and direction, whereas 'take sides' is about aligning with specific factions in a dispute
Draw a line in the sand
This phrase shares the strong sense of commitment found in 'take sides,' but it emphasizes setting a boundary and declaring an uncrossable limit, often to defend a position already held
Fall into line
This is about conforming to a group's decision or command, a form of alignment that can occur after sides have been taken, but it implies obedience rather than active partisan choice
Sit on the fence
This is the behavioral opposite of 'take sides,' representing indecision or a refusal to commit to either party in a dispute, making it a perfect thematic counterpoint