middle of the road
The phrase "middle of the road" can refer to moderation in politics, ordinariness, or a popular music genre with wide appeal.
Definition
B2Politics
(idiomatic)A stance or viewpoint that is moderate, avoiding extreme positions on either side.
Example
- Her political views are middle of the road, appealing to both conservatives and liberals.
B2General
(idiomatic)Something or someone that is average or unremarkable, lacking extremes or distinct characteristics.
Example
- The movie was pretty middle of the road, not particularly good or bad.
C1Music
(idiomatic, sometimes derogatory)A genre of popular music that is broadly appealing and not too experimental or traditional.
Example
- Their latest album is a collection of middle-of-the-road songs that are easy to listen to.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "middle of the road":
middle groundmiddle waydown the middlein the middle ofdead centerradical centerradical centristthird wayfork in the roadhigh roadmain roadhalfway decentin betweenon the fenceon the roadhigh centermeet halfwaysplit the difference