hold with the hare and run with the hounds

Meanings:

• 1.

  UKhistoricalidiomaticdated
  • To behave hypocritically by opposing a practice yet engaging in it oneself; to hold contradictory positions in action and speech.

• 2.

  UKhistoricalidiomaticdated
  • To attempt to remain neutral or placate both sides of a dispute by accommodating opposing parties, often risking the disapproval of both.