Sometimes, people don’t treat everyone the same. They may have one set of rules for themselves and a different set for others. This is called having a “double standard.” It’s not fair when someone can do something, but tells others they can’t do the same thing. That’s where idioms come in. These are fun phrases that help us talk about double standards in easy and interesting ways.
Idioms can show how people act unfairly or treat others differently. In this article, we will learn about idioms that describe this kind of behavior. These idioms help us understand why treating people the same is important. They also help us talk about fairness in a better way. Let’s look at some common ones and see what they mean.
Idioms About Double Standards
1. Double standard
Meaning: Treating people differently in the same situation
Example Sentence:
– It’s a double standard when teachers yell at kids for being late but arrive late themselves.
– Saying boys can play rough but girls can’t is a double standard.
Other ways to say: Unfair rule, not the same rule for everyone
Fun Fact/Origin: The term “double standard” comes from using two sets of rules instead of one.
Usage: When someone is treated differently for doing the same thing as someone else.
2. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander
Meaning: What’s fair for one person should be fair for another
Example Sentence:
– If Mom gets a cookie, I should get one too. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.
– She told me not to yell, but she yelled at me. That’s not fair—what’s good for the goose is good for the gander.
Other ways to say: Treat everyone the same, fair is fair
Fun Fact/Origin: Geese and ganders are male and female birds. The phrase means both should be treated the same.
Usage: Used when someone wants equal treatment.
3. One rule for them, another for us
Meaning: People have different rules depending on who they are
Example Sentence:
– It’s one rule for them, another for us when the coach lets older kids skip practice.
– If adults can stay up late, why not kids? One rule for them, another for us.
Other ways to say: Not fair rules, different rules for different people
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom is often used to point out unfair treatment in schools, teams, or homes.
Usage: Used to show when people follow unfair double rules.
4. Pot calling the kettle black
Meaning: Accusing someone of a fault you also have
Example Sentence:
– He says I’m messy, but his room is worse. That’s the pot calling the kettle black.
– She said I talk too much, but she never stops. Pot calling the kettle black!
Other ways to say: Hypocrite, pointing fingers
Fun Fact/Origin: Pots and kettles both get black from fire. So they’re both the same!
Usage: When someone complains about something they also do.
5. Practice what you preach
Meaning: Follow the same rules you tell others to follow
Example Sentence:
– If you tell me to clean up, you should too. Practice what you preach.
– Teachers should practice what they preach about kindness.
Other ways to say: Lead by example, do what you say
Fun Fact/Origin: Preaching is telling others what’s right. Practicing it means doing it yourself.
Usage: When someone should follow their own advice.
6. Do as I say, not as I do
Meaning: Telling others to do something but not doing it yourself
Example Sentence:
– Dad said not to eat on the couch, but he does. Do as I say, not as I do.
– She tells us to walk, but she drives everywhere. Do as I say, not as I do.
Other ways to say: Not leading by example, being unfair
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase points out when someone’s actions don’t match their words.
Usage: Used when someone gives advice but doesn’t follow it.
7. Judge not, lest ye be judged
Meaning: Don’t judge others if you don’t want to be judged too
Example Sentence:
– She laughed at my shoes, but hers were torn. Judge not, lest ye be judged.
– If you pick on someone’s mistakes, expect the same. Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Other ways to say: Be fair, treat others as you want
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from the Bible.
Usage: Used to stop unfair judgments.
8. People in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones
Meaning: Don’t criticize others if you have faults too
Example Sentence:
– He made fun of my drawing, but he wasn’t great either. People in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.
– She said I was slow, but she lost the race. Glass houses, remember?
Other ways to say: Don’t be a hypocrite, look at yourself first
Fun Fact/Origin: A glass house breaks easily—just like people’s feelings.
Usage: Used to warn someone who’s being unfairly critical.
9. Two-faced
Meaning: Acting nice but talking badly behind someone’s back
Example Sentence:
– She smiled at me, but called me mean later. She’s two-faced.
– That boy acts like your friend but laughs at you. So two-faced.
Other ways to say: Fake, not honest
Fun Fact/Origin: A person who acts one way but means another is like having two faces.
Usage: Describes someone who treats people unfairly behind their back.
10. Play both sides
Meaning: Supporting two groups to stay safe or win
Example Sentence:
– He told the teacher he agreed, then told us the opposite. He’s playing both sides.
– She told both teams she was with them. That’s not fair—playing both sides.
Other ways to say: Not loyal, going back and forth
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from people who try to be on the winning side, no matter what.
Usage: Used when someone is unfairly taking no clear stand.
11. Have your cake and eat it too
Meaning: Wanting two things that don’t go together
Example Sentence:
– She wants to skip practice and still play in the game. She can’t have her cake and eat it too.
– You can’t be mean and expect friends. That’s having your cake and eating it too.
Other ways to say: Wanting too much, not being fair
Fun Fact/Origin: Once you eat a cake, it’s gone—you can’t keep it too.
Usage: Describes wanting both choices when it’s not fair.
12. Playing favorites
Meaning: Treating some people better for no good reason
Example Sentence:
– The coach always picks the same kids. That’s playing favorites.
– She got more candy than us. The teacher is playing favorites.
Other ways to say: Showing bias, unfair choices
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the word “favorite,” meaning someone liked more.
Usage: Used when someone is unfairly nicer to one person.
13. Look the other way
Meaning: Ignoring a problem when it’s easier
Example Sentence:
– He saw them cheating but looked the other way. That’s not right.
– She broke the rule, but the teacher looked the other way.
Other ways to say: Ignore bad behavior, pretend it didn’t happen
Fun Fact/Origin: Turning your head means you pretend not to see.
Usage: Used when people choose not to be fair or honest.
14. Turn a blind eye
Meaning: Pretend not to notice something wrong
Example Sentence:
– The ref turned a blind eye to the foul.
– She turned a blind eye when her friend took extra snacks.
Other ways to say: Ignore, pretend not to see
Fun Fact/Origin: “Blind eye” means acting as if you can’t see something.
Usage: Used when unfairness is allowed by ignoring it.
15. Rules are meant to be broken (but only for some)
Meaning: Some people break rules and don’t get in trouble
Example Sentence:
– He didn’t do homework and still got candy. I guess rules are meant to be broken—for him.
– She came late every day and no one said anything. Must be nice to break the rules.
Other ways to say: Unfair rules, some people get away
Fun Fact/Origin: Some use this phrase to excuse unfair actions.
Usage: Shows how rules are not always used fairly.
16. Bend the rules
Meaning: Change the rules for some people
Example Sentence:
– They bent the rules so she could turn in homework late.
– He didn’t have a hall pass, but the teacher let him go. Rule bending!
Other ways to say: Make exceptions, be flexible unfairly
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea of not breaking rules but making them loose.
Usage: Used when people are treated differently with rules.
17. Not walk the talk
Meaning: Say one thing but do something else
Example Sentence:
– He said we must follow the rules but doesn’t follow them himself. He doesn’t walk the talk.
– She talks about being honest, but she lies. That’s not walking the talk.
Other ways to say: Say one thing, do another
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom means your actions should match your words.
Usage: Describes someone who’s unfair by not living up to what they say.
18. One size doesn’t fit all
Meaning: The same rule or thing doesn’t work for everyone
Example Sentence:
– Giving everyone the same homework doesn’t help. One size doesn’t fit all.
– She needs more time to read, but the teacher gave no help. One size doesn’t fit all.
Other ways to say: People are different, rules don’t always work the same
Fun Fact/Origin: Often used with clothing, now used in other areas too.
Usage: When equal treatment isn’t the same as fair treatment.
19. Fair-weather friend
Meaning: Someone who is only kind when it’s easy
Example Sentence:
– He only talks to me when no one else is around. He’s a fair-weather friend.
– She ignored me when I lost the game. Not a true friend.
Other ways to say: Fake friend, not loyal
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea that this friend is only around during “good weather.”
Usage: Describes unfair friendship that changes based on conditions.
20. Sit on the fence
Meaning: Not picking a side, to avoid trouble
Example Sentence:
– She didn’t support us or them. Just sat on the fence.
– He wouldn’t say who was right. Fence-sitter!
Other ways to say: Stay out of it, not take sides
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the image of someone sitting in the middle, not jumping off.
Usage: Used when someone avoids making a fair decision.
21. Favor the few
Meaning: Give more to a small group, not everyone
Example Sentence:
– The teacher gave only some kids prizes. That’s favoring the few.
– They only invited the popular kids. Totally unfair.
Other ways to say: Give special treatment, leave out others
Fun Fact/Origin: Based on favoritism, often seen in schools and teams.
Usage: When only a small group gets the good stuff.
22. One-sided story
Meaning: Only telling part of the truth, not the full story
Example Sentence:
– He told the principal only his side. That’s a one-sided story.
– She left out how she started the fight. Not fair.
Other ways to say: Unfair version, not complete
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from not hearing all sides in a situation.
Usage: Describes unfair treatment when only one view is shared.
23. Different strokes for different folks
Meaning: People are treated or act differently
Example Sentence:
– He gets extra time, but I don’t. Different strokes for different folks.
– Some get breaks, others don’t. Seems unfair.
Other ways to say: Everyone is treated differently
Fun Fact/Origin: Popular in the 1960s to show people like different things—but can also show unfairness.
Usage: Sometimes used to excuse double standards.
24. Call someone out
Meaning: Say something is unfair or wrong
Example Sentence:
– I called her out for breaking the rules.
– He called out the coach for picking favorites.
Other ways to say: Speak up, tell the truth
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from challenging someone to explain or stop what they’re doing.
Usage: When someone stands up to unfair behavior.
25. Special treatment
Meaning: Getting better or easier treatment than others
Example Sentence:
– He always gets extra help. That’s special treatment.
– She never gets in trouble. Total special treatment.
Other ways to say: Favoring someone, unfair help
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase is used a lot in school and work settings.
Usage: Used when someone is treated better for no clear reason.
Quiz: Idioms About Double Standards
Instructions: Choose the correct meaning for each idiom. Each question has one correct answer. Use what you’ve learned from the idioms to find the best choice.
Question Key
1. What does “double standard” mean?
A) Treating everyone the same way
B) Using two different sets of rules for people
C) Making up silly rules
2. If someone says “what’s good for the goose is good for the gander,” what do they mean?
A) Geese and ganders are the same animal
B) The rule should be fair for everyone
C) You should feed geese at the zoo
3. What does “pot calling the kettle black” mean?
A) Making fun of someone for something you also do
B) Cleaning your kitchen items
C) Mixing up your cooking pans
4. If someone tells you to “practice what you preach,” what are they saying?
A) Speak louder in class
B) Follow your own advice
C) Teach others about cooking
5. What does it mean if a teacher is “playing favorites”?
A) Being fair to all students
B) Giving everyone candy
C) Treating some kids better for no reason
6. What does “do as I say, not as I do” mean?
A) Copy what I do every time
B) Don’t listen to what I say
C) Follow my words even if I don’t follow them
7. What does “bend the rules” mean?
A) Break the rules completely
B) Change the rules for someone
C) Fix the broken rulebook
8. What does “turn a blind eye” mean?
A) Pretend not to see something wrong
B) Look at everything twice
C) Use only one eye to watch
9. If someone is “two-faced,” what are they doing?
A) Wearing a funny mask
B) Acting nice but being mean behind your back
C) Looking in two mirrors
10. What does “one-sided story” mean?
A) A story with two happy endings
B) A story with only one character
C) A story that only shows one person’s side
Answer Key
- B – Using two different sets of rules for people
- B – The rule should be fair for everyone
- A – Making fun of someone for something you also do
- B – Follow your own advice
- C – Treating some kids better for no reason
- C – Follow my words even if I don’t follow them
- B – Change the rules for someone
- A – Pretend not to see something wrong
- B – Acting nice but being mean behind your back
- C – A story that only shows one person’s side
Wrapping Up
Double standards are when people are treated unfairly or differently. Idioms help us understand and talk about these situations in a simple way. They show us how important fairness and honesty are. When we learn these idioms, we also learn how to be better friends, teammates, and classmates.
By using idioms like “practice what you preach” or “turn a blind eye,” we can spot unfair behavior and speak up. Fair treatment matters, and these phrases help us explain why.
