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Korean idiom Keep a foot in both camps

양다리 (를) The part “를” may be omitted. 걸치다 [걸다] Possible alternative: “걸다” · Usage not verified

  • Form listed in the dictionary: 양다리(를) 걸치다[걸다]
  • 양다리를 걸치다
  • 양다리 걸치다
  • 양다리를 걸다 Unverified form
  • 양다리 걸다 Unverified form

English rendering Keep a foot in both camps Literal translation: “Straddle [place] both legs”

Meaning 1

양쪽에서 이익을 보려고 두 편에 다 관계를 가지다.

Maintain ties with both sides to benefit from each.

Dictionary example 1

알고 보니 그는 이제까지 나와 그녀 사이에서 양다리를 걸치고 있었다.

It turned out he had been dating both her and me all this time.

Dictionary example 2

그는 분명한 입장을 취해야 할 때일수록 꼭 양다리를 걸쳐 온 자신의 지난날을 돌이켜 보면서 문득 생전 고칠 도리가 없는 병이 든 것처럼 느꼈다.

Looking back on how he had always kept a foot in both camps precisely when he should take a clear stand, he suddenly felt as though afflicted with a disease he could never cure.

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Writing text양다리 걸치다

Korean PDF · A4 · Worksheet: 1 page · 95.6 KB

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“양다리를 걸치다” — Keep a foot in both camps: Maintain ties with both sides to benefit from each.
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