The spelling of the phrase "leaves the middle" is fairly straightforward. The word "leaves" is spelled l-e-a-v-e-s, with the vowel sound pronounced as "ee" /i/ and the "s" at the end indicating plural. The word "the" is pronounced with a "schwa" sound /ə/. Finally, the word "middle" is spelled m-i-d-d-l-e, with the vowel sound pronounced as "ih" /ɪ/. When pronounced together, the phrase sounds like "leeves thuh middl."
The phrase "leaves the middle" refers to a situation or act of departing from a neutral or impartial standpoint or position on a particular issue or dispute, and instead aligning oneself with one side or party involved. It implies a shift away from an objective or balanced perspective towards favoring one extreme or polar opposite.
When someone "leaves the middle," they forsake their neutral stance or status as an unbiased observer, and instead take a stand or provide support for a specific viewpoint or faction. This departure often involves abandoning the ability to objectively analyze or evaluate the matter at hand, as personal biases, preferences, or loyalties come into play.
The action of "leaving the middle" can lead to polarization, as it contributes to the widening divide between differing perspectives and ideologies, creating an atmosphere of heightened conflict or adversarial relationships. This phrase is often utilized to describe the actions or statements of individuals who may be perceived as deliberately disregarding or dismissing alternative viewpoints, leading to further division in debate or discourse.
In summary, "leaves the middle" refers to the act of no longer remaining neutral or balanced in a situation, opting instead to align oneself with one side or perspective, potentially exacerbating conflict or discord. It embodies the departure from fairness, objectivity, and unbiased judgement by openly taking a particular stance.