double-cross

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "double-cross" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to betraying someone or breaking a trust, especially in contexts involving deception or treachery. An example: "He decided to double-cross his partner and take all the profits for himself." Alternative expressions include "betray" and "backstab."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

They double-cross me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I feared the worst publisher's double-cross.

The Guardian - Books

It's a double-cross double-smirk!

The New Yorker

The 'Mr Big' behind the deal suspected a double-cross.

The Guardian

(One television anchorman gleefully called it a "double double-cross").

The New York Times

She could easily be the brains behind the double-cross of her husband.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In creative writing, reserve this term for situations involving a specific breach of a prior agreement or mutual plan.

Common error

Avoid using "double-cross" when you actually mean to verify something twice. Writers occasionally confuse it with "double-check", which has a positive connotation of accuracy, whereas "double-cross" implies criminal or malicious treachery.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "double-cross" functions primarily as a transitive verb or a compound noun. According to Ludwig, it is used to describe the act of deceiving someone with whom one has a collaborative arrangement. In the provided examples, it often appears in narrative or investigative contexts to highlight a shift in loyalty.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "double-cross" is a robust and evocative term for betrayal that remains highly relevant in modern English. Ludwig AI confirms its status as a grammatically correct idiomatic expression. While it is most frequently found in News & Media to describe deceptive maneuvers in politics or crime, it also has a unique technical presence in Science via the term "double cross-validation". Writers should favor the hyphenated version for the idiomatic sense and ensure they do not confuse it with more benign terms like "double-check". Overall, it is a powerful word for describing the breakdown of trust in high-stakes environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

betray

More formal and broader in scope, referring to any violation of trust

stab in the back

A vivid idiomatic equivalent that emphasizes the unexpected nature of the act

backstab

More informal and implies a personal or social betrayal behind someone's back

go back on

Phrasal verb specifically referring to breaking a promise or agreement

two-time

Specifically used for romantic infidelity or deceiving two parties simultaneously

sell out

Implies betraying principles or associates for personal gain or money

deceive

Focuses on the act of lying or misleading rather than the specific breach of an agreement

play false

A more literary or archaic way to describe acting treacherously

cheat

General term for fraud or dishonesty, often in games or business

hoodwink

Emphasizes trickery and making someone believe something that is not true

FAQs

How to use "double-cross" in a sentence?

You can use it as a verb, such as "He planned to "double-cross his partner" during the heist," or as a noun, like "The failed deal ended in a "blatant double-cross"."

What can I say instead of "double-cross"?

Depending on the context, you can use terms like "betray", "backstab", or "trick".

Is it "double cross" or "double-cross"?

When used as a verb or noun meaning betrayal, the hyphenated form "double-cross" is the standard spelling. The unhyphenated "double cross" often appears in specific titles or technical terms like "double cross-validation".

What is the difference between "double-cross" and "betray"?

While both involve breaking trust, a "double-cross" specifically implies a situation where two parties had an agreement (often illicit) and one party turns against the other for a better deal, whereas "betray" is a broader term for any violation of loyalty.