divided loyalties
Split between sides
Divided loyalties describes the state of feeling obligated or attached to two parties whose interests conflict.
The phrase suggests being pulled in opposing directions—toward family versus career, old friends versus new, country of birth versus country of residence: Her divided loyalties made the custody dispute agonizing.
The plural form is standard even when only two loyalties are involved.
- ambivalenceConflicting emotions coexisting
- splitSeparation into parts
- betrayalBreaking of trust
- allegianceLoyalty owed to authority
- guiltMoral self-reproach
torn between · family conflict · family feud · blood ties · integrity · partisanship · trust issues · cognitive dissonance · compromise · ethical conflict · conflict of interest · tribalism · conscience · double agent · sworn enemy · secret · favoritism · political polarization
- inner turmoilinner turmoil, inner conflict, inner struggle, self-doubt, indecision
- Border StatesKentucky, Delaware, Missouri, Maryland, West Virginia
- Civil War Kentuckyborder state, Cumberland Gap, Frankfort, Richmond, Louisville
- Sports Rivalryarchrival, historic rivalry, rivalry game, rivalry week, crosstown rival