zou6 mo4 sam1做磨心
Jyutpingzou6 mo4 sam1
Yalejouh mòh sām
Definition
To find oneself caught in the middle; being stuck between conflicting parties or in a difficult dilemma.
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
The term literally refers to the central part of a millstone that bears the most friction and pressure. It is specifically used when someone is caught between two opposing parties and feels squeezed or forced to take sides. It carries a strong sense of helplessness and frustration because the person is often an innocent bystander or a reluctant mediator.
Examples
Being stuck in the middle between the boss and colleagues is truly miserable.
Why do you have to get yourself stuck in the middle of them?
Related words
Common phrases
stuck in the middle as the person caught in the crossfire
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply being a mediator or a peacemaker. While a mediator acts by choice to resolve conflict, doing 磨心 implies being trapped in a situation where you are being pulled in two directions against your will.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
