two-time
C2informal, colloquial
Definition
Meaning
To deceive or betray someone, especially a romantic partner, by having a secret relationship with someone else.
To cheat, betray, or be unfaithful, primarily in romantic contexts, but can be humorously extended to other areas of duplicity.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term carries strong negative moral judgment and implies active, conscious deception. It is most commonly used as a transitive verb (to two-time someone). Its adjectival form (two-timing) is also common.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood and used in both varieties with identical meaning and similar frequency. No significant dialectal differences.
Connotations
Equally negative and colloquial in both regions. Can be used humorously in non-romantic contexts (e.g., 'He's two-timing his favourite brand of coffee').
Frequency
Slightly more common in US media and conversation, but well-established in UK English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] two-times [Object (person betrayed)][Subject] is two-timing [Object (person betrayed)] with [Object (secret lover)]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A two-timer (noun: a person who two-times)”
- “Two-timing so-and-so (a common phrase of condemnation)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; only used metaphorically (e.g., 'The supplier was two-timing us with a competitor').
Academic
Virtually never used.
Everyday
Common in gossip and discussions about relationships.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She found out he'd been two-timing her for months.
- I would never two-time my partner.
American English
- He got caught two-timing his girlfriend with her best friend.
- If you two-time me, it's over.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable. 'Two-time' is not used as a standard adverb.
American English
- Not applicable. 'Two-time' is not used as a standard adverb.
adjective
British English
- She left her two-timing boyfriend immediately.
- He's nothing but a two-timing cheat.
American English
- I'm not putting up with a two-timing husband.
- That two-timing liar is not welcome here.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He was sad because his friend two-timed him? (Incorrect, but showing potential confusion - corrected in B2).
- She ended the relationship when she discovered he was two-timing her.
- 'Two-time' means to cheat on your boyfriend or girlfriend.
- The plot revolves around a politician who is two-timing his wife with a lobbyist, risking both his marriage and career.
- The jazz standard 'You're a Two-Timing Man' humorously laments such infidelity.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'two' as in two people, and 'time' as in spending time with both. A person is dividing their romantic time between two partners, deceiving one.
Conceptual Metaphor
ROMANTIC FIDELITY IS EXCLUSIVE OWNERSHIP OF TIME / BETRAYAL IS CHRONOLOGICAL DECEPTION.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as 'два раза' or 'дважды'.
- The closest equivalent is 'изменять' (romantic context) or 'обманывать'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a noun for the act itself (incorrect: 'He committed a two-time'; correct: 'He two-timed her').
- Confusing it with 'double-cross', which is for partnerships/business, not romance.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'to two-time' MOST appropriately used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Rarely. Its core meaning is romantic infidelity. While humorous extensions exist ('two-timing my diet'), using it for serious business or friend betrayal sounds odd; 'double-cross' or 'betray' is better.
They are synonyms in romantic contexts. 'Two-time' is more informal and vivid, specifically implying an ongoing secret parallel relationship. 'Cheat on' is more general and can refer to a single act.
Yes, in standard writing. 'Two-time' and 'two-timing' are almost always hyphenated, especially when used as adjectives or compound verbs.
A 'two-timer'. Example: 'He's a rotten two-timer.'