What does “Jekyll and Hyde” mean?
"Jekyll and Hyde" means that someone has two contrasting sides to their personality.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He's like a Jekyll and Hyde - one minute he's kind and friendly, the next he's angry and aggressive.
Example
Her behavior at work is a real Jekyll and Hyde - she's sweet and helpful to some colleagues, but rude and dismissive to others.
Example
I never know which version of him I'm going to get - the Jekyll or the Hyde
Is “Jekyll and Hyde” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Jekyll and Hyde” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Jekyll and Hyde” effectively in context?
You can use "Jekyll and Hyde" to describe someone who has two distinct and contrasting sides to their personality. It emphasizes the unpredictability and inconsistency of their behavior. For example, if you have a friend who is kind and friendly one moment, but angry and aggressive the next, you could say, 'He's like a Jekyll and Hyde - one minute he's kind and friendly, the next he's angry and aggressive.'
- 1Personal Relationships
Her behavior at work is a real Jekyll and Hyde - she's sweet and helpful to some colleagues, but rude and dismissive to others.
- 2Friendships
I never know which version of him I'm going to get - the Jekyll or the Hyde.
- 3Observing Others
His mood swings make him a real Jekyll and Hyde - you never know how he'll react to any situation.
Similar phrases to “Jekyll and Hyde”:
Two-faced
To describe someone who acts one way in front of certain people and another way in front of others
Example
I can't trust her - she's so two-faced.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
To describe someone with two contrasting sides to their personality
Example
His behavior is like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde - one moment he's kind, the next he's cruel.
To describe someone who exhibits different personalities or characteristics at different times
Example
She seems to have a split personality - one moment she's happy, the next she's sad.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Jekyll and Hyde” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Jekyll and Hyde" comes from the famous novel 'Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' written by Robert Louis Stevenson in 1886. In the story, Dr. Jekyll creates a potion that transforms him into the evil and unpredictable Mr. Hyde. The phrase is used to describe someone who has two contrasting sides to their personality.
Is “Jekyll and Hyde” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Jekyll and Hyde" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe individuals who have contrasting and unpredictable personalities.
What tone does “Jekyll and Hyde” have?
"Jekyll and Hyde" conveys a tone of surprise and disbelief. It's often used to express astonishment at someone's inconsistent behavior.
Can “Jekyll and Hyde” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Jekyll and Hyde" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a well-known expression that describes the duality of someone's personality. You can use it in casual conversations with friends and family, as well as in more formal situations such as discussions about human behavior or psychology.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Her behavior is like a Jekyll and Hyde - sweet and helpful to some, but rude and dismissive to others.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'He's a real "Jekyll and Hyde"!' to imply someone's unpredictable nature.
