took sides
Picked a team
Took sides is the past tense of take sides, meaning to align oneself with one party in a dispute or conflict rather than remaining neutral.
When someone took sides, they made clear which person, group, or position they supported, often in a disagreement between others.
She took sides with her brother during the family argument.
The phrase implies a conscious choice to abandon neutrality, and taking sides can strain relationships with whoever ends up on the opposing side.
- disputeVerbal clash over differences
- loyaltyFaithful commitment to another
- team playerOne who collaborates willingly
- choiceAct of selecting
- partisanshipLoyalty to one faction
argument · family feud · tribalism · backed · backed up · morality · favoritism · faction · bias · alliance · solidarity · judgment · aligned · justice · polarization · mediation · ideology · fairness
took sidesabstained
Voluntarily held back
stood aside · stepped back · opted out · backed off · looked the other way
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