middle-of-the-road
/ˌmɪdl əv ðə ˈrəʊd/ (bre, ipa) · [mˈɪdələvθərˌɔd] /ˌmɪdl əv ðə ˈrəʊd/ (ame, ipa) · [mˈɪdələvθərˌɔd] /ˈmi-dᵊl-əv-ṯẖə-ˈrōd/ (ame, mw)
middle-of-the-road — adjective
1. Refers to someone's beliefs, a group's policies, or a cultural product that does
Refers to someone's beliefs, a group's policies, or a cultural product that does not go to either far end of what people consider normal, so that most people find it acceptable without strong disagreement.
The party's middle-of-the-road policies appeal to voters who dislike sudden changes.
collocation: middle-of-the-road policies / views / opinions
Lucas prefers middle-of-the-road pop music rather than heavy metal or classical opera.
patterns with entertainment nouns: middle-of-the-road music / film / TV
The newspaper takes a middle-of-the-road position on most political issues.
Critics described the film as middle-of-the-road and safe, offering nothing new.
- moderate
More neutral in tone; can describe temperature, price, or intensity as well as views.
- centrist
Refers specifically to political positions, not entertainment or personal style.
- non-extreme
More literal and less common; focuses on what something is not rather than what it is.
文法句型
middle-of-the-road + noun
BE + middle-of-the-road
用法筆記
Often used with a slightly critical tone, suggesting that something is unexciting or unwilling to take a real risk.
常見錯誤
middle-of-the-road — noun
1. A position or plan of action that avoids both extremes and tries to stay in the
A position or plan of action that avoids both extremes and tries to stay in the center between two opposing sides.
The committee chose the middle-of-the-road, rejecting both the cheapest and the most expensive plans.
collocation: choose / take / steer the middle-of-the-road
In the debate between strict regulation and no rules at all, the middle-of-the-road satisfied almost nobody.
Diya argued that the middle-of-the-road was the safest option for the community at this stage.
Apinya said the middle-of-the-road often gets ignored by those who shout the loudest.
A mayor who follows the middle-of-the-road rarely makes headlines but can keep a city running.
- middle ground
More common as a noun; can be used in everyday contexts beyond politics ('find a middle ground').
- compromise position
Emphasises that both sides have given up something, not just that the position is central.
- extreme
A position far from the center, on one side only.
文法句型
the middle-of-the-road
steer/take/choose the middle-of-the-road
用法筆記
This noun use is less common than the adjective form. It typically appears in discussions about politics, business strategy, or policy-making where two opposing positions exist.