Quotes / Playing Both Sides

Mac: Hey, um, I came up with a really great idea, dude.
Charlie: Yeah?
Mac: Yeah, I'm gonna play both sides.
Charlie: Why would you tell me that?
Mac: Should I not have?
Charlie: Probably shouldn't 'cause if you're trying to keep a secret from me, now I know.
Mac: I should've... Should I tell them?
Charlie: No, I don't think you should tell either side 'cause if you're trying to play both sides and they both know, you're not playing anybody.
Mac: What should I do now?
Charlie: I don't- I don't give a shit.

— It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, "Frank Retires"

It's a two-man con.

— Shadow Moon, American Gods

Pull a little left until the radicals agree
Then a pull to the right to control the bourgeoisie
Make another promise seem sincere
Pull another string and make it disappear

There's a sense of balance you develop or you fall
What approaches protocol at an angle
One develops talents for discreet diplomacy
It's a question of degree
Or the strings will tangle

—Eduard Taafe, "Master of the Strings", Rudolf

Siamese fighting fish, fascinating creatures. Brave but on the whole stupid. Yes, they're stupid. Except for the occasional one such as we have here who lets the other two fight. While he waits. Waits until the survivor is so exhausted that he cannot defend himself, and then like SPECTRE... he strikes!

—Ernst Stavro Blofeld, From Russia with Love

Korra: I hope President Raiko listens to us.
Varrick: Don't worry, I was a big contributor to his election campaign. Him and the other guy; gotta hedge your bets.

— The Legend of Korra

"You know, in my line of work, you gotta be able either to sing 'The Battle Hymn of the Republic' or 'Dixie' with equal enthusiasm... dependin' upon present company."

—Sim Carstairs, The Outlaw Josey Wales

"My dear prince, why would I settle for merely being on the right side of history when I could be on all sides of it instead?"

—Dread Emperor Traitorous, A Practical Guide to Evil