steer a middle course

steer a middle course

To compromise between two extreme or polarizing alternatives; to find a solution, policy, or course of action that is acceptable or agreeable to two different or opposing sides. The small sovereign nation has gotten along for years by steering a middle course between the two global superpowers on either sides of its border. The president's popularity among the more extreme members of his party was diminished by his attempts to steer a middle course with some bipartisan policies.See also: course, middle, steer

steer (or take) a middle course

adopt a policy which avoids extremes.See also: course, middle, steer

follow/steer/take a middle ˈcourse

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find, etc. a/the middle ˈway

follow, find, etc. a plan that is halfway between two opposing plans; compromise: Kate wanted to stay for the rest of the week, and I wanted to leave straight away, so in the end we followed a middle course and stayed a couple of days. ♢ In politics you often have to steer a middle course. OPPOSITE: go to extremesSee also: course, follow, middle, steer, take