double-cross each other

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "double-cross each other" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a situation where two parties betray or deceive one another. For example, "In the end, they both decided to double-cross each other, leading to a complete breakdown of trust." Alternative expressions include "betray one another" and "deceive each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

(As for that "grand bargain" between Iran and the US, here are two great nations whose delight since 1979 has been to double-cross each other).

The Guardian - Books

2010s: Early on, characters routinely double-cross each other, but things could heat up as Christopher's new wife is handy with a gun and there's a sex-tape blackmail lined up.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Compiled by Unruly Media and tussled around a bit by Janette 1 Bond v Bond Deathmatch Double agents double cross each other 2 VoxFox – with Megan Fox Talking dolphin makes a splash 3 Lionel Richie Gangnam Style Hello?

The Guardian

Mujahedeen commanders, each with his own militia, made alliances, double-crossed each other, then allied again.

The New York Times

It is threadbare, unspectacular territory, where compromised people spend their time committing adultery and double-crossing each other, often while drinking pre-mixed American cocktails.

The Guardian - Film

In between looking for work and keeping house, the ancient family is still up to its oldest pursuit: crossing and double-crossing each other.

Huffington Post

Since the series premiered in September, ABC has treated viewers to months of Hamptons billionaires throwing fabulous society events, double-crossing each other, cheating on each other, falling in love and even committing a murder or two.

Huffington Post

The agents race around the castle's corridors and galleries, double- and triple-crossing each other and exchanging flippant comments at every turn.

The Guardian

Joe Krozel has used that grid before (Across Lite, Solution, blog), and he's back today with another 64-word puzzle that builds what looks to me like the beginnings of a log cabin: we have those double stacks of 15's crossing each other near the edges of the grid.

The New York Times

The double azido bridges in complex 3 cross each other to form a rarely observed non-coplanar (N3 2 structure.

Inorganica Chimica Acta

The double-cut file has rows of teeth crossing each other.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "double-cross each other", ensure the context clearly indicates that two or more parties are mutually betraying or deceiving one another. This mutual action is key to the phrase's meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "double-cross each other" when only one party is betraying another. The phrase implies a reciprocal action. If the betrayal is one-sided, use "double-cross" followed by the specific target of the betrayal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "double-cross each other" functions as a verb phrase indicating reciprocal betrayal or deception. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically sound and understood in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "double-cross each other" serves to illustrate mutual betrayal, where multiple parties engage in acts of deception and disloyalty. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and readily understood. While not overly formal, it appears across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific discourse. Remember to employ this phrase when you want to emphasize that the deception is two-sided. Consider using alternative expressions like "betray one another" or "deceive one another" to fine-tune the specific nuance you wish to impart. While "double-cross each other" is not as common as other phrases, its accuracy and accessibility make it a useful tool to express reciprocal deceit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

betray one another

Focuses on the act of disloyalty or treachery between parties.

deceive one another

Highlights the act of misleading or misrepresenting to each other.

stab each other in the back

Emphasizes a treacherous and underhanded form of betrayal.

undermine each other

Focuses on weakening or sabotaging each other's efforts or positions.

sell each other out

Implies sacrificing each other for personal gain.

play each other false

Highlights a breach of trust and honesty in their interactions.

trick one another

Focuses on deceiving through cunning or skillful means.

be disloyal to each other

Emphasizes the lack of fidelity and faithfulness between the parties.

renege on their promises to each other

Highlights the failure to keep agreements or commitments made between them.

act treacherously toward each other

Emphasizes the violation of faith and trust with harmful intent.

FAQs

How can I use "double-cross each other" in a sentence?

Use "double-cross each other" to describe a situation where two or more parties betray one another, for example, "The spies planned to "double-cross each other" to secure their own safety".

What does "double-cross each other" mean?

"Double-cross each other" means that two or more entities betray or deceive each other, often in a deal or agreement where trust was expected.

What are some synonyms for "double-cross each other"?

Alternatives to "double-cross each other" include "betray one another", "deceive one another", or "stab each other in the back", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "double-cross each other" formal or informal?

"Double-cross each other" is generally considered an informal expression. More formal alternatives might be "breach their agreement" or "act in bad faith".