double cross
5
6.6
- noun
- /ˈdʌbəl krɔs/
- Informal
:
doble traición
- Her betrayal was a classic example of a double cross, as she pretended to help us while secretly working with our rivals.
Examples
-
You didn't want to double-cross anyone and you didn't have it in you to take a dive.
-
All these years together, and you double-cross us for this witch?
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I'm not trying to double cross you..
-
I wouldn't double cross you with anybody.
-
That lovely agent from the German government was very upset with you... ...when you double-crossed him.
-
See, I always appreciate a quality double-cross.
-
However, I don't believe Matthew would have the nerve to double-cross me.
Fiction book (2002) -
If there's one thing I can't stand, it's a double-cross artist!
-
The meeting had been set up with delicacy and circumlocution, each side taking precautions against a possible double cross.
Fiction book (1990) -
After expressing her support, she quickly orchestrated a double cross that left us all shocked and betrayed.
Synonyms
197
3.9
An act of not being loyal to someone, for example telling their secrets or helping an enemy
46
7.5
To betray someone's trust or loyalty
12
8.1
Dishonest behavior that hides true intentions to trick someone
11
5.4
A secret act of betrayal by someone who seems friendly
5
7.4
An act of betraying someone who trusted you after pretending to help them
1
7.1
Dishonest behavior of pretending one thing but doing another
To betray someone for money or personal gain
Antonyms
How Treacherous
Surface Forms
Morphology
double + cross
Although 'cross' can mean to oppose or frustrate and 'double' suggests twofold or a second action, the specific sense of betraying someone after feigning support involves deception that is not directly signaled by the constituents. A B1 learner who knows both words might guess some repeated opposition or a stronger crossing, but would be unlikely to derive the full idiomatic meaning without prior exposure.
Etymology
The noun double cross comes from a simple image: someone is 'crossed' (betrayed) once and then a second time, so double means two and cross means to go against someone. That's why a double cross means 'an act of betraying someone who trusted you'.