double cross

USAGE SUMMARY

"double cross" is a valid phrase used in written English.
It is generally used to describe any situation in which someone betrays someone else by deliberately breaking a promise, agreement, or trust. For example, "She had always been his closest friend, so he felt betrayed when she double crossed him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Double Cross, by Ben Macintyre (Crown).

The New Yorker

Somewhere in the fog, perhaps, there was a double cross.

The New York Times

There is one magnificent moment in Double Cross.

The Guardian - Books

The seamy kick of one double cross after another keeps "Reindeer Games" in motion.

The New York Times

Instead, there is suspicion among developing nations that such talk is all an elaborate "double cross".

The New Yorker

"Macintyre's research is deceptively deep," the Times's Allan Mallinson declared, before pronouncing Double Cross "utterly gripping".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

double cross-validation.

Heritage Science

Thus, double cross-validation may seem unreliable.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Double cross-validation was applied to each small data sample.

Journal of Cheminformatics

The double cross-validatio algorithm consists of two steps.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Double cross-validation reliably and unbiasedly estimates prediction errors under model uncertainty for regression models.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider hyphenating the phrase when using it as a noun or a compound adjective ("a blatant double-cross") to improve readability, though keeping it as two words is also acceptable in many styles.

Common error

Do not use "double cross" to describe a simple error or an accidental breach of trust. The phrase implies a calculated, intentional and often malicious decision to deceive someone for personal gain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "double cross" functions primarily as a verb or a noun to describe a specific act of betrayal. According to Ludwig AI, it is a valid and well-documented expression in written English. In its verbal form, it signifies the act of deceiving someone after an agreement has been reached. As a noun, it refers to the deception itself. Interestingly, Ludwig's data also shows its use in scientific contexts as a compound modifier, such as in "double cross-validation", which is a statistical technique.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "double cross" is a versatile and powerful idiomatic expression used to denote intentional betrayal within the context of a prior agreement. Ludwig AI confirms its high frequency and correctness across diverse and authoritative sources like The New Yorker and The New York Times. While primarily an idiom for deception, it also appears in scientific literature as a technical term for nested processes. Writers should use it to highlight calculated treachery, being careful to use it as two words for a verb and often hyphenating it as a noun. It remains a staple in journalistic and narrative writing to convey complex interpersonal and professional shifts in loyalty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

betray

The most direct and formal synonym for breaking trust

double-deal

Specifically refers to engaging in deceptive two-faced behavior for personal gain

stab in the back

A more evocative and idiomatic way to describe a sudden betrayal

sell out

Implies betraying a person or cause in exchange for money or personal advantage

deceive

A broader term focusing on the act of lying rather than the broken agreement

two-time

Commonly used in romantic contexts or personal relationships to denote infidelity

hoodwink

Focuses more on the trickery and deception used to fool someone

play false

A slightly more literary or archaic way to describe acting dishonestly

dupe

Shifts the focus to the victim being easily fooled or tricked

cheat

A general term for acting unfairly or breaking rules for an advantage

FAQs

How do I use "double cross" in a sentence?

You can use it as a verb or noun; for example, "He decided to "double cross" his partners during the heist" or "The heist ended in a spectacular "double-cross"".

What can I say instead of "double cross"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms like "betray", "double-deal" or the more idiomatic "stab in the back".

Is "double cross" one word or two?

It is typically written as two separate words when used as a verb. When used as a noun, it is often hyphenated as ""double-cross"", although both forms are seen in modern usage.

What is the difference between "double cross" and "betrayal"?

While both involve broken trust, a ""double cross"" specifically implies that the deceiver was pretending to collaborate on a mutual goal or agreement before turning against the other person.