Meaning of out of both sides of one's mouth | Babel Free

Definitions

Indicating contradictory things.

figuratively

Examples

“to speak out of both sides of one's mouth”

“to talk out of both sides of one's mouth”

“If speaking out of both sides of your mouth at the same time were a modern art form, they would be on permanent exhibition at the Tate. Sadly, it is not the only issue where they exhibit that trait, but I shall not go into the subject of vigilantism here.”

“The lawyer, Samuel Hirsch, said: "They're speaking out of both sides of their mouth," when the company claims its food is healthy but should be eaten in moderation.”

“Even to a long-term student of political ventriloquy, the Abbott government’s capacity to speak out of both sides of its mouth on climate policy is astonishing.”

CEFR level