above the fray
idiom
: not directly involved in an angry or difficult struggle or disagreement
His political aides handled the controversy while he remained above the fray.
Examples of above the fray in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Bass has attempted to stay above the fray, mostly avoiding direct conflict with other politicians — at least in public.
—
David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2026
The offensive lineman stayed above the fray, graduating with a degree in business, and wound up playing professionally in Amsterdam for NFL Europe.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 17 Jan. 2026
Netflix, in its history, has cast itself as above the fray on legacy media transactions.
—Alex Sherman,contessa Brewer, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2025
Many nonfiction films of earlier eras sought a spot above the fray, but that thinking has changed.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 7 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for above the fray
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2026
The offensive lineman stayed above the fray, graduating with a degree in business, and wound up playing professionally in Amsterdam for NFL Europe.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 17 Jan. 2026
Netflix, in its history, has cast itself as above the fray on legacy media transactions.
—Alex Sherman,contessa Brewer, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2025
Many nonfiction films of earlier eras sought a spot above the fray, but that thinking has changed.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 7 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for above the fray
Cite this Entry
“Above the fray.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/above%20the%20fray. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
