Straddling

/ˈstrædəlɪŋ/ verb

Definition

Standing with your legs on either side of something, or supporting two different and opposite things at the same time.

Etymology

From Middle English 'stradlen,' possibly from Old Norse 'stradda.' The word originally described the physical position of standing with legs apart, then metaphorically extended to mean occupying a position between two opposing sides.

Kelly Says

Politicians love 'straddling' issues because it sounds neutral, but the word originally described the least stable standing position possible—so there's delicious irony in using it for indecisive stances!

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