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Using an idiom, how to describe a two-faced friend who speaks ill of you behind your back?
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In Arabic, there's a handy expression that literally translates as
A mirror to your face, a prickle to your nape (back).
It describes a two-faced friend who is so nice to your face that you'd see yourself in him, but behind your back would say all kinds of bad, defamatory stuff about you.
The Arabic expression is always used as a standalone remark. That is, without being connected to a subject.
Husband: I couldn't believe Jack would say any of those things about me. I was shocked when I overheard him say I was mean and insecure.
Wife: A mirror to your face, a prickle to your nape.
phrase-request
asked Aug 27 at 0:58
Sara
1,0591722
add a comment |Â
up vote
11
down vote
favorite
In Arabic, there's a handy expression that literally translates as
A mirror to your face, a prickle to your nape (back).
It describes a two-faced friend who is so nice to your face that you'd see yourself in him, but behind your back would say all kinds of bad, defamatory stuff about you.
The Arabic expression is always used as a standalone remark. That is, without being connected to a subject.
Husband: I couldn't believe Jack would say any of those things about me. I was shocked when I overheard him say I was mean and insecure.
Wife: A mirror to your face, a prickle to your nape.
phrase-request
asked Aug 27 at 0:58
Sara
1,0591722
1
Off-topic, but I'm really curious about the Arabic of that expression. Would you mind typing or transliterating it?
– Hashim
Aug 27 at 18:29
1
ÙÂي الوش مراية وÙÂي القÙÂا سلاية
– Sara
Aug 27 at 20:47
Haha beautiful. Would you mind taking this to chat, I'm curious about the Arabic.
– Hashim
Aug 28 at 1:08
Similar question from EL&U Stack Exchange: english.stackexchange.com/q/188604/208972
– MJ713
Aug 29 at 4:13
add a comment |Â
up vote
11
down vote
favorite
up vote
11
down vote
favorite
In Arabic, there's a handy expression that literally translates as
A mirror to your face, a prickle to your nape (back).
It describes a two-faced friend who is so nice to your face that you'd see yourself in him, but behind your back would say all kinds of bad, defamatory stuff about you.
The Arabic expression is always used as a standalone remark. That is, without being connected to a subject.
Husband: I couldn't believe Jack would say any of those things about me. I was shocked when I overheard him say I was mean and insecure.
Wife: A mirror to your face, a prickle to your nape.
phrase-request
asked Aug 27 at 0:58
Sara
1,0591722
In Arabic, there's a handy expression that literally translates as
A mirror to your face, a prickle to your nape (back).
It describes a two-faced friend who is so nice to your face that you'd see yourself in him, but behind your back would say all kinds of bad, defamatory stuff about you.
The Arabic expression is always used as a standalone remark. That is, without being connected to a subject.
Husband: I couldn't believe Jack would say any of those things about me. I was shocked when I overheard him say I was mean and insecure.
Wife: A mirror to your face, a prickle to your nape.
phrase-request
asked Aug 27 at 0:58
Sara
1,0591722
edited 2 days ago
asked Aug 27 at 0:58
Sara
1,0591722
asked Aug 27 at 0:58
Sara
1,0591722
asked Aug 27 at 0:58
Sara
1,0591722
1,0591722
1
Off-topic, but I'm really curious about the Arabic of that expression. Would you mind typing or transliterating it?
– Hashim
Aug 27 at 18:29
1
ÙÂي الوش مراية وÙÂي القÙÂا سلاية
– Sara
Aug 27 at 20:47
Haha beautiful. Would you mind taking this to chat, I'm curious about the Arabic.
– Hashim
Aug 28 at 1:08
Similar question from EL&U Stack Exchange: english.stackexchange.com/q/188604/208972
– MJ713
Aug 29 at 4:13
add a comment |Â
1
Off-topic, but I'm really curious about the Arabic of that expression. Would you mind typing or transliterating it?
– Hashim
Aug 27 at 18:29
1
ÙÂي الوش مراية وÙÂي القÙÂا سلاية
– Sara
Aug 27 at 20:47
Haha beautiful. Would you mind taking this to chat, I'm curious about the Arabic.
– Hashim
Aug 28 at 1:08
Similar question from EL&U Stack Exchange: english.stackexchange.com/q/188604/208972
– MJ713
Aug 29 at 4:13
1
1
Off-topic, but I'm really curious about the Arabic of that expression. Would you mind typing or transliterating it?
– Hashim
Aug 27 at 18:29
Off-topic, but I'm really curious about the Arabic of that expression. Would you mind typing or transliterating it?
– Hashim
Aug 27 at 18:29
1
1
ÙÂي الوش مراية وÙÂي القÙÂا سلاية
– Sara
Aug 27 at 20:47
ÙÂي الوش مراية وÙÂي القÙÂا سلاية
– Sara
Aug 27 at 20:47
Haha beautiful. Would you mind taking this to chat, I'm curious about the Arabic.
– Hashim
Aug 28 at 1:08
Haha beautiful. Would you mind taking this to chat, I'm curious about the Arabic.
– Hashim
Aug 28 at 1:08
Similar question from EL&U Stack Exchange: english.stackexchange.com/q/188604/208972
– MJ713
Aug 29 at 4:13
Similar question from EL&U Stack Exchange: english.stackexchange.com/q/188604/208972
– MJ713
Aug 29 at 4:13
add a comment |Â
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
up vote
1
down vote
accepted
Since you seem to be looking for a phrase, I think this quote from Shakespeare would do nicely:
One may smile, and smile, and be a villain.
The phrase comes from Act 1, Scene 5 of Hamlet. In this scene, Hamlet discovers that Claudius, his seemingly-friendly uncle (and stepfather), murdered Hamlet's father to seize his throne (and Hamlet's mother). On learning this, he describes Claudius like so:
O villain, villain, smiling, damnèd villain!
My tables1—meet2 it is I set it down
That one may smile, and smile, and be a villain—
1tables: writing tablets
2meet: fitting, proper
You can see how the phrase fits your criteria: it describes a person who is nice and pleasant to your face, but is doing terrible things to you in secret (like murdering your father).
The main drawback is that the phrase is not common enough to be called an "expression" or an "idiom". If the listener doesn't catch the literary reference, the phrase loses some of its impact, since the words of the phrase don't actually say who the villain is hurting. Fortunately, most English speakers have studied Hamlet in school at some point, so there is at least a chance that they will recognize it.
One last note: Shakespeare's definition of "villain" was not quite the definition we use today. In his usage, it describes someone who lacks noble qualities, in both senses of the word "noble": that which is good and admirable, and that which is characteristic of the nobility. (These concepts were more synonymous in Shakespeare's time than they are today.) See this question from the English Language & Usage StackExchange for further details. Anyone who hears you say the phrase will most likely assume the modern definition of "villain" ("a deliberate scoundrel or criminal"), which is close enough.
answered Aug 29 at 5:38
MJ713
29717
add a comment |Â
up vote
14
down vote
As you note, two-faced is a good expression for that. Backstabber has a similar meaning of "someone covertly taking actions against you without you knowing".
A wolf in sheep's clothing is similar as well, referring to someone who's outwardly a good person, but hides their true evil nature.
answered Aug 27 at 1:09
Maciej Stachowski
4,67411320
1
Indeed, it's pretty common to combine them! "two-faced back-stabber!"
– Fattie
Aug 27 at 9:47
5
Note that "wolf in sheep's clothing" strongly implies that the friendly behavior is only a facade for the person's true/primary intentions. This might not be the case for OP, e.g. a friend who'se genuinely trying to be a friend but also prone to gossiping.
– Flater
Aug 27 at 13:22
add a comment |Â
up vote
7
down vote
I would use backstabber:
One who attacks or betrays someone in a deceitful, underhanded, or treacherous way.
He proved to be a backstabber in business, assaulting the character of his competition to get ahead in the game.
I thought Mary was my friend, but then she said those mean things behind my back. She turned out to be nothing but a backstabber.
answered Aug 27 at 1:09
user3169
28k22045
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
Though not quite an idiom, in the US, you can call such a person a Benedict Arnold.
Benedict Arnold was a military officer who served as a general for the American Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. He famously betrayed the US and defected to the British. His name has since been used as a byword to mean someone who betrays their friends.
I suspect this wouldn't be used in BrE English that much.
answered Aug 27 at 8:54
Kodos Johnson
1335
3
I can say pretty confidently that most British people wouldn't have the first clue what you meant by using the name - it's definitely a purely AmE expression. We don't really cover the history of the American revolution at all in school etc. so most don't have the context to understand the reference.
– Carcer
Aug 27 at 9:06
@Carcer I wouldn't think it would be understood by British speakers. I was trying to be cheeky with my last sentence.
– Kodos Johnson
Aug 27 at 9:17
We don't really cover the history of the American revolution at all in school etc Ha, I wonder why???
– AbraCadaver
Aug 27 at 18:23
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
play a double game;
be a double-dealer;
be double-faced;
be
two-faced;
carry fire in one hand and water in the other;
double
cross;
double-dealing;
double-faced tactics;
have two faces;
say
one thing and do another;
use dual tactics:
Double-tongued
Duplicity
double dealing and back stabbing
answered Aug 29 at 6:06
马化腾
1,025320
add a comment |Â
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
1
down vote
accepted
Since you seem to be looking for a phrase, I think this quote from Shakespeare would do nicely:
One may smile, and smile, and be a villain.
The phrase comes from Act 1, Scene 5 of Hamlet. In this scene, Hamlet discovers that Claudius, his seemingly-friendly uncle (and stepfather), murdered Hamlet's father to seize his throne (and Hamlet's mother). On learning this, he describes Claudius like so:
O villain, villain, smiling, damnèd villain!
My tables1—meet2 it is I set it down
That one may smile, and smile, and be a villain—
1tables: writing tablets
2meet: fitting, proper
You can see how the phrase fits your criteria: it describes a person who is nice and pleasant to your face, but is doing terrible things to you in secret (like murdering your father).
The main drawback is that the phrase is not common enough to be called an "expression" or an "idiom". If the listener doesn't catch the literary reference, the phrase loses some of its impact, since the words of the phrase don't actually say who the villain is hurting. Fortunately, most English speakers have studied Hamlet in school at some point, so there is at least a chance that they will recognize it.
One last note: Shakespeare's definition of "villain" was not quite the definition we use today. In his usage, it describes someone who lacks noble qualities, in both senses of the word "noble": that which is good and admirable, and that which is characteristic of the nobility. (These concepts were more synonymous in Shakespeare's time than they are today.) See this question from the English Language & Usage StackExchange for further details. Anyone who hears you say the phrase will most likely assume the modern definition of "villain" ("a deliberate scoundrel or criminal"), which is close enough.
answered Aug 29 at 5:38
MJ713
29717
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
accepted
Since you seem to be looking for a phrase, I think this quote from Shakespeare would do nicely:
One may smile, and smile, and be a villain.
The phrase comes from Act 1, Scene 5 of Hamlet. In this scene, Hamlet discovers that Claudius, his seemingly-friendly uncle (and stepfather), murdered Hamlet's father to seize his throne (and Hamlet's mother). On learning this, he describes Claudius like so:
O villain, villain, smiling, damnèd villain!
My tables1—meet2 it is I set it down
That one may smile, and smile, and be a villain—
1tables: writing tablets
2meet: fitting, proper
You can see how the phrase fits your criteria: it describes a person who is nice and pleasant to your face, but is doing terrible things to you in secret (like murdering your father).
The main drawback is that the phrase is not common enough to be called an "expression" or an "idiom". If the listener doesn't catch the literary reference, the phrase loses some of its impact, since the words of the phrase don't actually say who the villain is hurting. Fortunately, most English speakers have studied Hamlet in school at some point, so there is at least a chance that they will recognize it.
One last note: Shakespeare's definition of "villain" was not quite the definition we use today. In his usage, it describes someone who lacks noble qualities, in both senses of the word "noble": that which is good and admirable, and that which is characteristic of the nobility. (These concepts were more synonymous in Shakespeare's time than they are today.) See this question from the English Language & Usage StackExchange for further details. Anyone who hears you say the phrase will most likely assume the modern definition of "villain" ("a deliberate scoundrel or criminal"), which is close enough.
answered Aug 29 at 5:38
MJ713
29717
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
accepted
up vote
1
down vote
accepted
Since you seem to be looking for a phrase, I think this quote from Shakespeare would do nicely:
One may smile, and smile, and be a villain.
The phrase comes from Act 1, Scene 5 of Hamlet. In this scene, Hamlet discovers that Claudius, his seemingly-friendly uncle (and stepfather), murdered Hamlet's father to seize his throne (and Hamlet's mother). On learning this, he describes Claudius like so:
O villain, villain, smiling, damnèd villain!
My tables1—meet2 it is I set it down
That one may smile, and smile, and be a villain—
1tables: writing tablets
2meet: fitting, proper
You can see how the phrase fits your criteria: it describes a person who is nice and pleasant to your face, but is doing terrible things to you in secret (like murdering your father).
The main drawback is that the phrase is not common enough to be called an "expression" or an "idiom". If the listener doesn't catch the literary reference, the phrase loses some of its impact, since the words of the phrase don't actually say who the villain is hurting. Fortunately, most English speakers have studied Hamlet in school at some point, so there is at least a chance that they will recognize it.
One last note: Shakespeare's definition of "villain" was not quite the definition we use today. In his usage, it describes someone who lacks noble qualities, in both senses of the word "noble": that which is good and admirable, and that which is characteristic of the nobility. (These concepts were more synonymous in Shakespeare's time than they are today.) See this question from the English Language & Usage StackExchange for further details. Anyone who hears you say the phrase will most likely assume the modern definition of "villain" ("a deliberate scoundrel or criminal"), which is close enough.
answered Aug 29 at 5:38
MJ713
29717
Since you seem to be looking for a phrase, I think this quote from Shakespeare would do nicely:
One may smile, and smile, and be a villain.
The phrase comes from Act 1, Scene 5 of Hamlet. In this scene, Hamlet discovers that Claudius, his seemingly-friendly uncle (and stepfather), murdered Hamlet's father to seize his throne (and Hamlet's mother). On learning this, he describes Claudius like so:
O villain, villain, smiling, damnèd villain!
My tables1—meet2 it is I set it down
That one may smile, and smile, and be a villain—
1tables: writing tablets
2meet: fitting, proper
You can see how the phrase fits your criteria: it describes a person who is nice and pleasant to your face, but is doing terrible things to you in secret (like murdering your father).
The main drawback is that the phrase is not common enough to be called an "expression" or an "idiom". If the listener doesn't catch the literary reference, the phrase loses some of its impact, since the words of the phrase don't actually say who the villain is hurting. Fortunately, most English speakers have studied Hamlet in school at some point, so there is at least a chance that they will recognize it.
One last note: Shakespeare's definition of "villain" was not quite the definition we use today. In his usage, it describes someone who lacks noble qualities, in both senses of the word "noble": that which is good and admirable, and that which is characteristic of the nobility. (These concepts were more synonymous in Shakespeare's time than they are today.) See this question from the English Language & Usage StackExchange for further details. Anyone who hears you say the phrase will most likely assume the modern definition of "villain" ("a deliberate scoundrel or criminal"), which is close enough.
answered Aug 29 at 5:38
MJ713
29717
answered Aug 29 at 5:38
MJ713
29717
answered Aug 29 at 5:38
MJ713
29717
answered Aug 29 at 5:38
MJ713
29717
29717
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
14
down vote
As you note, two-faced is a good expression for that. Backstabber has a similar meaning of "someone covertly taking actions against you without you knowing".
A wolf in sheep's clothing is similar as well, referring to someone who's outwardly a good person, but hides their true evil nature.
answered Aug 27 at 1:09
Maciej Stachowski
4,67411320
1
Indeed, it's pretty common to combine them! "two-faced back-stabber!"
– Fattie
Aug 27 at 9:47
5
Note that "wolf in sheep's clothing" strongly implies that the friendly behavior is only a facade for the person's true/primary intentions. This might not be the case for OP, e.g. a friend who'se genuinely trying to be a friend but also prone to gossiping.
– Flater
Aug 27 at 13:22
add a comment |Â
up vote
14
down vote
As you note, two-faced is a good expression for that. Backstabber has a similar meaning of "someone covertly taking actions against you without you knowing".
A wolf in sheep's clothing is similar as well, referring to someone who's outwardly a good person, but hides their true evil nature.
answered Aug 27 at 1:09
Maciej Stachowski
4,67411320
1
Indeed, it's pretty common to combine them! "two-faced back-stabber!"
– Fattie
Aug 27 at 9:47
5
Note that "wolf in sheep's clothing" strongly implies that the friendly behavior is only a facade for the person's true/primary intentions. This might not be the case for OP, e.g. a friend who'se genuinely trying to be a friend but also prone to gossiping.
– Flater
Aug 27 at 13:22
add a comment |Â
up vote
14
down vote
up vote
14
down vote
As you note, two-faced is a good expression for that. Backstabber has a similar meaning of "someone covertly taking actions against you without you knowing".
A wolf in sheep's clothing is similar as well, referring to someone who's outwardly a good person, but hides their true evil nature.
answered Aug 27 at 1:09
Maciej Stachowski
4,67411320
As you note, two-faced is a good expression for that. Backstabber has a similar meaning of "someone covertly taking actions against you without you knowing".
A wolf in sheep's clothing is similar as well, referring to someone who's outwardly a good person, but hides their true evil nature.
answered Aug 27 at 1:09
Maciej Stachowski
4,67411320
answered Aug 27 at 1:09
Maciej Stachowski
4,67411320
answered Aug 27 at 1:09
Maciej Stachowski
4,67411320
answered Aug 27 at 1:09
Maciej Stachowski
4,67411320
4,67411320
1
Indeed, it's pretty common to combine them! "two-faced back-stabber!"
– Fattie
Aug 27 at 9:47
5
Note that "wolf in sheep's clothing" strongly implies that the friendly behavior is only a facade for the person's true/primary intentions. This might not be the case for OP, e.g. a friend who'se genuinely trying to be a friend but also prone to gossiping.
– Flater
Aug 27 at 13:22
add a comment |Â
1
Indeed, it's pretty common to combine them! "two-faced back-stabber!"
– Fattie
Aug 27 at 9:47
5
Note that "wolf in sheep's clothing" strongly implies that the friendly behavior is only a facade for the person's true/primary intentions. This might not be the case for OP, e.g. a friend who'se genuinely trying to be a friend but also prone to gossiping.
– Flater
Aug 27 at 13:22
1
1
Indeed, it's pretty common to combine them! "two-faced back-stabber!"
– Fattie
Aug 27 at 9:47
Indeed, it's pretty common to combine them! "two-faced back-stabber!"
– Fattie
Aug 27 at 9:47
5
5
Note that "wolf in sheep's clothing" strongly implies that the friendly behavior is only a facade for the person's true/primary intentions. This might not be the case for OP, e.g. a friend who'se genuinely trying to be a friend but also prone to gossiping.
– Flater
Aug 27 at 13:22
Note that "wolf in sheep's clothing" strongly implies that the friendly behavior is only a facade for the person's true/primary intentions. This might not be the case for OP, e.g. a friend who'se genuinely trying to be a friend but also prone to gossiping.
– Flater
Aug 27 at 13:22
add a comment |Â
up vote
7
down vote
I would use backstabber:
One who attacks or betrays someone in a deceitful, underhanded, or treacherous way.
He proved to be a backstabber in business, assaulting the character of his competition to get ahead in the game.
I thought Mary was my friend, but then she said those mean things behind my back. She turned out to be nothing but a backstabber.
answered Aug 27 at 1:09
user3169
28k22045
add a comment |Â
up vote
7
down vote
I would use backstabber:
One who attacks or betrays someone in a deceitful, underhanded, or treacherous way.
He proved to be a backstabber in business, assaulting the character of his competition to get ahead in the game.
I thought Mary was my friend, but then she said those mean things behind my back. She turned out to be nothing but a backstabber.
answered Aug 27 at 1:09
user3169
28k22045
add a comment |Â
up vote
7
down vote
up vote
7
down vote
I would use backstabber:
One who attacks or betrays someone in a deceitful, underhanded, or treacherous way.
He proved to be a backstabber in business, assaulting the character of his competition to get ahead in the game.
I thought Mary was my friend, but then she said those mean things behind my back. She turned out to be nothing but a backstabber.
answered Aug 27 at 1:09
user3169
28k22045
I would use backstabber:
One who attacks or betrays someone in a deceitful, underhanded, or treacherous way.
He proved to be a backstabber in business, assaulting the character of his competition to get ahead in the game.
I thought Mary was my friend, but then she said those mean things behind my back. She turned out to be nothing but a backstabber.
answered Aug 27 at 1:09
user3169
28k22045
answered Aug 27 at 1:09
user3169
28k22045
answered Aug 27 at 1:09
user3169
28k22045
answered Aug 27 at 1:09
user3169
28k22045
28k22045
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
Though not quite an idiom, in the US, you can call such a person a Benedict Arnold.
Benedict Arnold was a military officer who served as a general for the American Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. He famously betrayed the US and defected to the British. His name has since been used as a byword to mean someone who betrays their friends.
I suspect this wouldn't be used in BrE English that much.
answered Aug 27 at 8:54
Kodos Johnson
1335
3
I can say pretty confidently that most British people wouldn't have the first clue what you meant by using the name - it's definitely a purely AmE expression. We don't really cover the history of the American revolution at all in school etc. so most don't have the context to understand the reference.
– Carcer
Aug 27 at 9:06
@Carcer I wouldn't think it would be understood by British speakers. I was trying to be cheeky with my last sentence.
– Kodos Johnson
Aug 27 at 9:17
We don't really cover the history of the American revolution at all in school etc Ha, I wonder why???
– AbraCadaver
Aug 27 at 18:23
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
Though not quite an idiom, in the US, you can call such a person a Benedict Arnold.
Benedict Arnold was a military officer who served as a general for the American Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. He famously betrayed the US and defected to the British. His name has since been used as a byword to mean someone who betrays their friends.
I suspect this wouldn't be used in BrE English that much.
answered Aug 27 at 8:54
Kodos Johnson
1335
3
I can say pretty confidently that most British people wouldn't have the first clue what you meant by using the name - it's definitely a purely AmE expression. We don't really cover the history of the American revolution at all in school etc. so most don't have the context to understand the reference.
– Carcer
Aug 27 at 9:06
@Carcer I wouldn't think it would be understood by British speakers. I was trying to be cheeky with my last sentence.
– Kodos Johnson
Aug 27 at 9:17
We don't really cover the history of the American revolution at all in school etc Ha, I wonder why???
– AbraCadaver
Aug 27 at 18:23
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
up vote
3
down vote
Though not quite an idiom, in the US, you can call such a person a Benedict Arnold.
Benedict Arnold was a military officer who served as a general for the American Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. He famously betrayed the US and defected to the British. His name has since been used as a byword to mean someone who betrays their friends.
I suspect this wouldn't be used in BrE English that much.
answered Aug 27 at 8:54
Kodos Johnson
1335
Though not quite an idiom, in the US, you can call such a person a Benedict Arnold.
Benedict Arnold was a military officer who served as a general for the American Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. He famously betrayed the US and defected to the British. His name has since been used as a byword to mean someone who betrays their friends.
I suspect this wouldn't be used in BrE English that much.
answered Aug 27 at 8:54
Kodos Johnson
1335
edited Aug 27 at 9:00
answered Aug 27 at 8:54
Kodos Johnson
1335
answered Aug 27 at 8:54
Kodos Johnson
1335
answered Aug 27 at 8:54
Kodos Johnson
1335
1335
3
I can say pretty confidently that most British people wouldn't have the first clue what you meant by using the name - it's definitely a purely AmE expression. We don't really cover the history of the American revolution at all in school etc. so most don't have the context to understand the reference.
– Carcer
Aug 27 at 9:06
@Carcer I wouldn't think it would be understood by British speakers. I was trying to be cheeky with my last sentence.
– Kodos Johnson
Aug 27 at 9:17
We don't really cover the history of the American revolution at all in school etc Ha, I wonder why???
– AbraCadaver
Aug 27 at 18:23
add a comment |Â
3
I can say pretty confidently that most British people wouldn't have the first clue what you meant by using the name - it's definitely a purely AmE expression. We don't really cover the history of the American revolution at all in school etc. so most don't have the context to understand the reference.
– Carcer
Aug 27 at 9:06
@Carcer I wouldn't think it would be understood by British speakers. I was trying to be cheeky with my last sentence.
– Kodos Johnson
Aug 27 at 9:17
We don't really cover the history of the American revolution at all in school etc Ha, I wonder why???
– AbraCadaver
Aug 27 at 18:23
3
3
I can say pretty confidently that most British people wouldn't have the first clue what you meant by using the name - it's definitely a purely AmE expression. We don't really cover the history of the American revolution at all in school etc. so most don't have the context to understand the reference.
– Carcer
Aug 27 at 9:06
I can say pretty confidently that most British people wouldn't have the first clue what you meant by using the name - it's definitely a purely AmE expression. We don't really cover the history of the American revolution at all in school etc. so most don't have the context to understand the reference.
– Carcer
Aug 27 at 9:06
@Carcer I wouldn't think it would be understood by British speakers. I was trying to be cheeky with my last sentence.
– Kodos Johnson
Aug 27 at 9:17
@Carcer I wouldn't think it would be understood by British speakers. I was trying to be cheeky with my last sentence.
– Kodos Johnson
Aug 27 at 9:17
We don't really cover the history of the American revolution at all in school etc Ha, I wonder why???
– AbraCadaver
Aug 27 at 18:23
We don't really cover the history of the American revolution at all in school etc Ha, I wonder why???
– AbraCadaver
Aug 27 at 18:23
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
play a double game;
be a double-dealer;
be double-faced;
be
two-faced;
carry fire in one hand and water in the other;
double
cross;
double-dealing;
double-faced tactics;
have two faces;
say
one thing and do another;
use dual tactics:
Double-tongued
Duplicity
double dealing and back stabbing
answered Aug 29 at 6:06
马化腾
1,025320
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
play a double game;
be a double-dealer;
be double-faced;
be
two-faced;
carry fire in one hand and water in the other;
double
cross;
double-dealing;
double-faced tactics;
have two faces;
say
one thing and do another;
use dual tactics:
Double-tongued
Duplicity
double dealing and back stabbing
answered Aug 29 at 6:06
马化腾
1,025320
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
play a double game;
be a double-dealer;
be double-faced;
be
two-faced;
carry fire in one hand and water in the other;
double
cross;
double-dealing;
double-faced tactics;
have two faces;
say
one thing and do another;
use dual tactics:
Double-tongued
Duplicity
double dealing and back stabbing
answered Aug 29 at 6:06
马化腾
1,025320
play a double game;
be a double-dealer;
be double-faced;
be
two-faced;
carry fire in one hand and water in the other;
double
cross;
double-dealing;
double-faced tactics;
have two faces;
say
one thing and do another;
use dual tactics:
Double-tongued
Duplicity
double dealing and back stabbing
answered Aug 29 at 6:06
马化腾
1,025320
answered Aug 29 at 6:06
马化腾
1,025320
answered Aug 29 at 6:06
马化腾
1,025320
answered Aug 29 at 6:06
马化腾
1,025320
1,025320
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
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1
Off-topic, but I'm really curious about the Arabic of that expression. Would you mind typing or transliterating it?
– Hashim
Aug 27 at 18:29
1
ÙÂي الوش مراية وÙÂي القÙÂا سلاية
– Sara
Aug 27 at 20:47
Haha beautiful. Would you mind taking this to chat, I'm curious about the Arabic.
– Hashim
Aug 28 at 1:08
Similar question from EL&U Stack Exchange: english.stackexchange.com/q/188604/208972
– MJ713
Aug 29 at 4:13