go between

Definition

1. Noun:

   • An intermediary or mediator: A "go-between" is a person who acts as a messenger or negotiator between two parties, especially in a dispute, negotiation, or romantic relationship.

2. Verb (phrasal verb "go between"):

   • To act as an intermediary: To serve as a link or messenger between two people or groups.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • She acted as a go-between for the two companies during the merger negotiations. (She facilitated communication between the two parties.)
  • The love letters were delivered by a trusted go-between. (A messenger carried the notes secretly.)

• Verb:

  • He went between the rival gangs to arrange a truce. (He mediated between the opposing groups.)
  • The lawyer will go between the client and the court. (The lawyer will act as an intermediary.)

Advanced Usage

• "to act as a go-between": to serve as an intermediary.

  • The diplomat acted as a go-between for the warring nations. (The diplomat mediated peace talks.)

• "to serve as a go-between": to function as a messenger or negotiator.

  • The priest served as a go-between for the estranged couple. (The priest helped them communicate.)

Variants and Related Words

• Go-between (n, hyphenated): the standard spelling of the noun.

  • A go-between is essential in sensitive negotiations. (An intermediary is crucial.)

• Intermediary (n, synonym): a person who acts as a link between parties.

  • The intermediary relayed the terms of the agreement. (The go-between conveyed the details.)

Synonyms

• Mediator: a person who attempts to make people involved in a conflict come to an agreement.
• Intermediary: a person who acts as a link between parties.
• Negotiator: a person who conducts discussions to reach an agreement.
• Messenger: a person who carries a message.

Phrasal Verbs

• Go between (as a phrasal verb): to act as an intermediary.

  • She often goes between her parents when they argue. (She mediates their disputes.)

• Go between (someone and someone): to facilitate communication.

  • The translator went between the English and French speakers. (The translator helped them understand each other.)

Related Idioms

• Play the go-between: to act as an intermediary.

  • He played the go-between for the two feuding families. (He mediated their conflict.)

• Be the middleman: to act as an intermediary in a transaction or negotiation.

  • She was the middleman between the supplier and the retailer. (She was the go-between.)