Speak/talk out of both sides of (one's) mouth In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "speak/talk out of both sides of (one's) mouth", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

author Kathy Cao calendar 2021-10-02 04:10

Meaning of Speak/talk out of both sides of (one's) mouth

Speak/talk out of both sides of (one's) mouth verb phrase

If you talk or speak out of both sides of your mouth, you say contradictory advice or opinions about the same thing in different situations.

Can you just be honest for once? You are always speaking out of both sides of your mouth.

He has been speaking out of both sides of his mouth about anything. Now no one believes in his word anymore.

He has talked out of both sides of his mouth constantly.

Other phrases about:

fast talker

Used to describe someone who is good at persuading people to do or believe something

a plum in (one's) mouth

Primally used in the UK to indicate the typical manner of communication from the high social class

ride (one's) hobby-horse

To frequently or constantly talk or complain about one's favourite topic or issue

be speaking out of both sides of (one's) mouth

If you talk or speak out of both sides of your mouth, you say contradictory advice or opinions about the same thing in different situations.

talk (one's) pants off

Used to imply that one talks for such a long time that someone becomes tired or bored

Grammar and Usage of Speak/talk out of both sides of (one's) mouth

Verb Forms

  • speaks/talks out of both sides of (one's) mouth
  • speaking/talking out of both sides of (one's) mouth
  • spoke/talked out of both sides of (one's) mouth
  • spoken/talked out of both sides of (one's) mouth

The verb "speak/talk" should be conjugated according to its tense.

Origin of Speak/talk out of both sides of (one's) mouth

Some believe it is related to a passage in the Bible, Proverbs 4:24, which talks about lying: "Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that’s where life starts. Don’t talk out of both sides of your mouth; avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip."

error

Report Error

Do you see anything wrong?

Share your idioms

If you are really thankful, what do you do? You share.

Submit An Idiom

Make a Donation!

Help us update and complete more idioms

Donate

TODAY
to look like a drowned rat

To be very wet

Example:

Because of forgetting bringing an umbrella, I look like a drowned rat when it rains.

Join the Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest updates!

Darkmode