dr. jekyll and mr. hyde
B2/C1Literary, formal, journalistic
Definition
Meaning
A person who displays two distinct and contradictory personalities, one good and one evil.
Refers to the duality of human nature, especially the coexistence of virtuous and wicked impulses within a single individual. It is a metaphor for situations or organizations that have a respectable, positive facade masking a hidden, dark, or destructive reality.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This is a proper noun derived from a literary work (Robert Louis Stevenson's novella 'Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde', 1886). It functions as a fixed phrase and is often used metaphorically without definite articles (e.g., 'a real Jekyll and Hyde').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The British title retains Stevenson's original punctuation ('Dr Jekyll', often without the period). American usage standardizes to 'Dr. Jekyll'. The metaphorical usage is identical.
Connotations
Identical strong literary/cultural connotations. The British context has slightly stronger association with the source text.
Frequency
Moderate and comparable in both varieties, primarily in written and formal spoken contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] is a real Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.The [situation/organization] has a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde quality.He transforms from Dr. Jekyll into Mr. Hyde when [condition].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a Jekyll and Hyde existence”
- “to lead a Jekyll and Hyde life”
- “the Jekyll and Hyde of [industry/politics/etc.]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
'The company presents a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde image to the public: eco-friendly branding versus its polluting factories.'
Academic
The concept is used in psychology and literary criticism to discuss the duality of the self.
Everyday
'My boss is a real Jekyll and Hyde—friendly in the morning, a tyrant by afternoon.'
Technical
Not applicable in STEM fields; used in humanities (literature, psychology, sociology).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He seems to Jekyll-and-Hyde his way through life.
- (rare, non-standard)
American English
- He Jekyll-and-Hydes between calm and rage.
- (rare, non-standard)
adverb
British English
- (Not standard; phrase is not used adverbially.)
American English
- (Not standard; phrase is not used adverbially.)
adjective
British English
- It was a classic Jekyll-and-Hyde performance from the team.
- His Jekyll-and-Hyde personality is exhausting.
American English
- They have a Dr.-Jekyll-and-Mr.-Hyde corporate culture.
- Her Jekyll-and-Hyde behavior is concerning.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This book is about Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
- He is sometimes nice, sometimes bad, like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
- I don't trust him; he has a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde personality.
- The film shows a character who is a modern Jekyll and Hyde.
- The politician's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde act fools no one; his public kindness masks a ruthless private ambition.
- Her relationship with her brother is a real Jekyll and Hyde situation—they're best friends one minute and fighting the next.
- The corporation's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde strategy involves championing sustainability while clandestinely lobbying against environmental regulations.
- Critics accused the regime of a Jekyll-and-Hyde foreign policy, offering humanitarian aid with one hand while sponsoring terrorism with the other.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: Jekyll is GENTLE (sounds like), Hyde is where you HIDE the horrible side.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE SELF IS A CONTAINER FOR OPPOSING FORCES / A PERSON IS TWO PEOPLE / MORALITY IS A PUBLIC FACE, IMMORALITY IS A HIDDEN SELF.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating the names. Use the established phrase 'Джекил и Хайд' (Dzhekil i Khaid) as a direct loan. Do not try to find separate Russian words for 'Jekyll' and 'Hyde'.
- The metaphor is well-known in Russian culture; no need to explain the story when using it idiomatically.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hype'. Correct: 'Hyde'.
- Incorrect: 'He is a Dr. Jekyll and a Mr. Hyde.' (Redundant articles). Correct: 'He is a real Jekyll and Hyde.'
- Misspelling: 'Jekyl', 'Hyde' (correct).
Practice
Quiz
What is the PRIMARY metaphorical meaning of 'a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde figure'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The phrase is a well-established idiom in English. Knowing the story adds depth, but the meaning of 'a person with two opposite sides' is widely understood.
Yes, it can be. Using it flippantly to describe conditions like Dissociative Identity Disorder or Bipolar Disorder is insensitive and trivializes serious health issues. It's best used for deliberate, voluntary hypocrisy or stark behavioural contrasts in stable individuals.
In formal writing, retain the titles: 'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde'. When used metaphorically as a hyphenated modifier, it's often written as 'Jekyll-and-Hyde' (e.g., 'a Jekyll-and-Hyde character').
Yes. It can describe organizations, situations, or systems that have a dual, contradictory nature (e.g., 'a Jekyll-and-Hyde policy', 'the Jekyll-and-Hyde nature of social media').