double-deal
LowFormal, Literary, Accusatory
Definition
Meaning
To engage in deceitful, dishonest, or treacherous behaviour, especially by saying different things to different parties about the same matter.
To act in bad faith, promising one thing to one party and the opposite to another; to cheat, betray, or be hypocritical, particularly in negotiations or agreements. Often implies a pattern of deception rather than a single act.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
It's an agentive verb, implying deliberate, conscious deception. Often used to describe actions of politicians, negotiators, or untrustworthy partners. More intense than simply 'deceive', with connotations of active betrayal.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant usage differences in meaning or application. The term is understood but rare in both dialects.
Connotations
Strongly negative, implying moral corruption and treachery.
Frequency
Rare in contemporary speech in both varieties. More likely found in political commentary, historical narratives, or formal accusations.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Subject + double-deal (intransitive)Subject + double-deal + with + Object (party/people deceived)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Play both sides against the middle”
- “Speak with a forked tongue”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to describe a partner or competitor who negotiates in bad faith, e.g., 'The merger fell through when it was discovered one firm was double-dealing.'
Academic
Seldom used. Might appear in political science or history texts describing diplomatic betrayal.
Everyday
Extremely rare. A more common expression would be 'two-faced' or 'backstabbing'.
Technical
Not applicable.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The minister was found to have double-dealt with both lobbying firms.
- You cannot trust him; he will double-deal if it suits him.
American English
- The senator was accused of double-dealing with foreign donors.
- If they double-deal on this contract, we'll take them to court.
adverb
British English
- *Note: The adverbial form is not standard. The related adverb is 'double-dealingly', but it is obsolete and not used.
- *
American English
- *Note: The adverbial form is not standard. The related adverb is 'double-dealingly', but it is obsolete and not used.
- *
adjective
British English
- *Note: The adjective form is 'double-dealing'. A double-dealing politician was ousted from the cabinet.
- *
American English
- *Note: The adjective form is 'double-dealing'. We uncovered his double-dealing schemes.
- *
Examples
By CEFR Level
- (Too complex for A2; concept not taught.)
- I think he is double-dealing. He tells me one story and you another.
- The company lost its reputation after it was revealed to have double-dealt with its suppliers and customers.
- Throughout the tense negotiations, there were persistent fears that one faction would double-deal, secretly aligning with the opposition.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a magician dealing cards from the BOTTOM of the deck to TWO different people (double) — a deceitful trick.
Conceptual Metaphor
HONESTY IS STRAIGHTNESS / DECEPTION IS A FORKED PATH. To double-deal is to travel down two contradictory paths at once.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as 'двойная сделка' (which means a double transaction).
- It is not 'дважды делать'. The correct conceptual translations are 'вести двойную игру', 'быть двуличным', or 'предавать'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a noun (incorrect: 'He is a double-deal'; correct: 'He is a double-dealer').
- Confusing it with 'double-check' or 'double-cross'. 'Double-cross' is a close synonym; 'double-check' is unrelated.
Practice
Quiz
What is the closest meaning of 'double-deal' in the sentence: 'The ambassador was recalled for double-dealing'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The noun is 'double-dealer' (a person) or 'double-dealing' (the activity).
No, it's quite rare. More common synonyms are 'be two-faced', 'be duplicitous', or 'betray'.
No, it is primarily intransitive. You 'double-deal' or 'double-deal with someone'. The deception is implied in the action, not directed at a direct object.
They are very close synonyms. 'Double-cross' often implies a specific, singular betrayal of an ally (e.g., in a plan), while 'double-deal' can describe a general pattern of deceitful behaviour in dealings.