What does “Two-faced” mean?
"Two-faced" means being deceptive or hypocritical, pretending to be one way but acting differently.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I can't trust him, he's so two-faced.
Example
She's always smiling to your face but talking behind your back, such a two-faced person.
Example
Don't be fooled by his charm, he's actually quite two-faced
Is “Two-faced” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Two-faced” 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 “Two-faced” effectively in context?
You can use "Two-faced" to describe someone who pretends to be one way but acts differently, often with negative intentions. It emphasizes the idea of deception and hypocrisy. For example, if you have a friend who is always nice to your face but talks negatively about you behind your back, you might say, 'I can't trust him, he's so two-faced.'
- 1Friendship
She's always smiling to your face but talking behind your back, such a two-faced person.
- 2Trust
I can't trust him, he's so two-faced.
- 3First Impressions
Don't be fooled by his charm, he's actually quite two-faced.
Similar phrases to “Two-faced”:
Double-cross
To betray or deceive someone who trusts you
Example
He double-crossed his business partner and stole all the profits.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Two-faced” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Two-faced" can be traced back to ancient Roman mythology. The god Janus, who was depicted with two faces, symbolized duality and deception. This association with deceitful behavior led to the phrase 'two-faced' being used to describe someone who is deceptive or hypocritical.
Is “Two-faced” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Two-faced" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe someone who is deceptive or hypocritical. It's a way to express distrust or disappointment in someone's behavior.
What tone does “Two-faced” have?
"Two-faced" conveys a tone of disapproval and skepticism. It's often used to criticize someone's behavior and highlight their lack of sincerity or trustworthiness.
Can “Two-faced” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "two-faced" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of deception and hypocrisy. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, 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, 'I can't trust him, he's so two-faced.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'He's really "two-faced"!' to imply someone's deceptive nature.
