고래 싸움에 새우 등 터진다고 · 고래 싸움에 새우 등 터지는 격이다
when the powerful fight, the weak get hurt; caught in the crossfire
Example
고래 싸움에 새우 등 터진다고, 두 나라의 무역 전쟁으로 작은 회사들이 피해를 봤어요.
When whales fight, the shrimp gets crushed—small companies suffered from the two countries' trade war.
Word parts
Two whales fight, and the little shrimp between them gets its back burst.
Good to know
Often used about small countries between big powers, or about office politics.
Related words