take sides


Also, take someone's side. Support or favor one party in a dispute, as in Parents shouldn't take sides in their children's quarrels, or Thanks for taking my side concerning the agenda. [c. 1700] Also see take someone's part.

The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

How to use take sides in a sentence

  • The impulse to take sides is, in fact, in direct proportion to the excitement and party spirit displayed.

  • Being compelled to take sides, the Old Dominion naturally cast her lot with her Southern sisters.

    Reminiscences of a Rebel | Wayland Fuller Dunaway
  • A very few among the Tories, venerated by their neighbors, might remain neutral; the remainder must take sides, or go.

    The Siege of Boston | Allen French
  • A swift, almost bewildering rush of events, however, quickly compelled most of them to take sides.

  • The children began to take sides with the mother—all but the oldest girl, who was ten years old.