What does “Out of both sides of your mouth” mean?
"Out of both sides of your mouth" means saying contradictory things.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He's always talking out of both sides of his mouth, you can never trust what he says.
Example
She claims to support the environment, but she's talking out of both sides of her mouth by investing in polluting industries.
Example
The politician was caught speaking out of both sides of his mouth when he promised to lower taxes while also promising to increase government spending
Is “Out of both sides of your mouth” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Out of both sides of your mouth” 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 “Out of both sides of your mouth” effectively in context?
You can use "Out of both sides of your mouth" to describe someone who is saying contradictory things or being dishonest. It implies that the person is speaking in a way that is inconsistent or insincere. For example, if a friend is constantly making promises but never following through, you might say, 'Don't trust him, he's always talking out of both sides of his mouth.'
- 1Politics
The politician was caught speaking out of both sides of his mouth when he promised to lower taxes while also promising to increase government spending.
- 2Trustworthiness
He's always talking out of both sides of his mouth, you can never trust what he says.
- 3Hypocrisy
She claims to support the environment, but she's talking out of both sides of her mouth by investing in polluting industries.
Similar phrases to “Out of both sides of your mouth”:
Double-talk
To speak in a way that is deliberately confusing or contradictory
Example
The salesman was using double-talk to avoid giving a straight answer.
Two-faced
To say one thing and do another, or to act differently in different situations
Example
I can't trust her, she's so two-faced.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Out of both sides of your mouth” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Out of both sides of your mouth" is unknown.
Is “Out of both sides of your mouth” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Out of both sides of your mouth" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe someone who is being dishonest or contradictory in their speech.
What tone does “Out of both sides of your mouth” have?
"Out of both sides of your mouth" conveys a tone of skepticism and distrust. It suggests that the person being described cannot be trusted to speak honestly or consistently.
Can “Out of both sides of your mouth” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Out of both sides of your mouth" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of someone being dishonest or contradictory. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as discussions, debates, or professional correspondence.
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, 'Don't believe him, he's always talking out of both sides of his mouth.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'He's "talking out of both sides of his mouth"!' to imply that someone is being dishonest.
