In American life, trust is a big deal. When someone breaks that trust, it hurts. People often use special phrases to talk about betrayal. These phrases, called idioms, help show how it feels when someone lets you down. From friends telling secrets to teammates not playing fair, betrayal can happen in many ways. That’s why idioms about betrayal are used so much in everyday talk across the USA.
Idioms make it easier to describe hard feelings without saying too much. Instead of saying “I feel sad because someone lied to me,” people might say, “He stabbed me in the back.” These phrases are short but powerful. In this article, we’ll look at common idioms about betrayal, what they mean, and how they are used in real American situations. Let’s begin.
Idioms About Betrayal
1. Stab someone in the back
Meaning: To betray someone who trusts you
Example Sentence:
• She thought he was her friend, but he stabbed her in the back by telling her secret.
• I trusted him with my idea, but he stabbed me in the back.
Other ways to say: Betray, double-cross
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from the idea of hurting someone without warning, like a sneak attack.
Usage: Used when someone betrays trust secretly.
2. Two-faced
Meaning: Someone who acts nice but says bad things behind your back
Example Sentence:
• She was two-faced, smiling at me but talking about me to others.
• Don’t trust him—he’s two-faced.
Other ways to say: Fake, dishonest
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from old stories where someone had two faces to trick people.
Usage: Used to describe someone who acts one way but means another.
3. Throw someone under the bus
Meaning: To blame or hurt someone else to save yourself
Example Sentence:
• He threw his friend under the bus to avoid getting in trouble.
• She told me just to look good—that’s throwing someone under the bus.
Other ways to say: Blame unfairly, sell out
Fun Fact/Origin: This comes from the image of pushing someone in front of a bus to avoid danger.
Usage: Used when someone betrays a teammate or friend.
4. Snake in the grass
Meaning: A sneaky or untrustworthy person
Example Sentence:
• Watch out for him—he’s a snake in the grass.
• I didn’t see it coming; she was a real snake in the grass.
Other ways to say: Sneaky, backstabber
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the danger of a hidden snake.
Usage: Used when someone hides their bad side until it’s too late.
5. Turncoat
Meaning: A person who switches sides or betrays their group
Example Sentence:
• He was a turncoat, joining the rival team after we lost.
• I can’t believe she turned on us like a turncoat.
Other ways to say: Traitor, deserter
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from old wars where people would switch sides and change uniforms (coats).
Usage: Used when someone switches teams or loyalty.
6. Break someone’s trust
Meaning: To do something that makes someone stop trusting you
Example Sentence:
• He broke my trust by lying to me.
• You can’t fix it easily after you break someone’s trust.
Other ways to say: Lose trust, let someone down
Fun Fact/Origin: Trust is often thought of as something strong—but once broken, it’s hard to fix.
Usage: Used when someone does something dishonest or hurtful.
7. Behind someone’s back
Meaning: To do something secretly that hurts another person
Example Sentence:
• She made fun of me behind my back.
• They planned it all behind his back.
Other ways to say: In secret, without someone knowing
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea of doing something where the person can’t see.
Usage: Used when something sneaky or mean is done in secret.
8. Sell out
Meaning: To give up your beliefs or friends for money or gain
Example Sentence:
• He sold out his team for a bigger prize.
• She sold me out just to get picked.
Other ways to say: Betray, trade loyalty for reward
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from music or business when someone gives up their values for success.
Usage: Used when someone chooses gain over loyalty.
9. Talk behind someone’s back
Meaning: To say mean things about someone without them knowing
Example Sentence:
• I found out they were talking behind my back.
• It hurts when friends talk behind your back.
Other ways to say: Gossip, say mean things secretly
Fun Fact/Origin: This saying shows someone can’t defend themselves if they don’t hear it.
Usage: Used when people gossip or say hurtful things in secret.
10. Pull the rug out from under someone
Meaning: To suddenly take away help or support
Example Sentence:
• Just before the game, he pulled the rug out from under me and quit.
• She pulled the rug out from under us by canceling at the last minute.
Other ways to say: Take away support, betray
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea of making someone fall by pulling the rug they stand on.
Usage: Used when someone is left helpless by a surprise action.
11. Backstabber
Meaning: A person who betrays a friend
Example Sentence:
• I thought he was my friend, but he was a backstabber.
• Don’t be a backstabber—tell the truth.
Other ways to say: Traitor, snake
Fun Fact/Origin: A backstab is sneaky because it’s done where the person can’t see.
Usage: Used to describe someone who breaks trust secretly.
12. Turn one’s back on someone
Meaning: To ignore or leave someone when they need help
Example Sentence:
• He turned his back on me when I needed him most.
• True friends don’t turn their backs.
Other ways to say: Walk away, refuse to help
Fun Fact/Origin: This shows someone not caring by turning away.
Usage: Used when someone chooses not to help or support a friend.
13. Double-cross
Meaning: To lie or betray someone after agreeing to help
Example Sentence:
• He double-crossed me by taking the credit.
• They made a plan, but she double-crossed them.
Other ways to say: Trick, deceive
Fun Fact/Origin: “Cross” means betrayal in old English slang.
Usage: Used when someone breaks a promise and hurts another person.
14. Play both sides
Meaning: To pretend to agree with two people or groups while planning to help only one
Example Sentence:
• He played both sides during the argument.
• I don’t trust her—she plays both sides.
Other ways to say: Be fake, act as a double agent
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from card games and war tactics.
Usage: Used when someone pretends to help everyone but is really not loyal.
15. Cut someone loose
Meaning: To stop helping or supporting someone suddenly
Example Sentence:
• The coach cut me loose after the first mistake.
• They cut him loose without even saying why.
Other ways to say: Let go, drop support
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from cutting ropes or ties.
Usage: Used when someone is removed from a group or plan.
16. Keep someone in the dark
Meaning: To not tell someone the truth or full story
Example Sentence:
• They kept me in the dark about the party.
• She felt betrayed when she learned the truth—they kept her in the dark.
Other ways to say: Hide information, not tell the truth
Fun Fact/Origin: Darkness means you can’t see clearly, just like being unaware.
Usage: Used when someone is not told important things on purpose.
17. Go behind someone’s back
Meaning: To do something without telling the person, often in a sneaky way
Example Sentence:
• He went behind my back to talk to the teacher.
• Don’t go behind your friend’s back—it’s wrong.
Other ways to say: Be sneaky, act in secret
Fun Fact/Origin: Same as other “behind the back” idioms, showing betrayal.
Usage: Used when someone acts in secret and betrays trust.
18. Bite the hand that feeds you
Meaning: To hurt someone who helps you
Example Sentence:
• He bit the hand that fed him by lying to his boss.
• Don’t bite the hand that feeds you—it’s ungrateful.
Other ways to say: Betray your helper, be unthankful
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from how animals should not attack their owners.
Usage: Used when someone betrays a person who was kind to them.
19. Pull a fast one
Meaning: To trick or cheat someone
Example Sentence:
• He pulled a fast one by changing the rules last minute.
• That was sneaky—she pulled a fast one on us.
Other ways to say: Cheat, fool
Fun Fact/Origin: Fast can mean sneaky or quick tricks.
Usage: Used when someone is fooled by a sneaky act.
20. Play dirty
Meaning: To cheat or act unfairly
Example Sentence:
• They played dirty to win the game.
• Don’t play dirty—win the right way.
Other ways to say: Cheat, break the rules
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from sports, where “dirty” means breaking fair rules.
Usage: Used when someone is dishonest to get ahead.
21. Underhanded move
Meaning: A sneaky or dishonest action
Example Sentence:
• That was an underhanded move—taking credit for my work.
• They used underhanded tricks to win.
Other ways to say: Sneaky action, unfair play
Fun Fact/Origin: “Underhanded” means done secretly or not openly.
Usage: Used when someone does something wrong in a sneaky way.
22. Cross the line
Meaning: To go too far or do something unacceptable
Example Sentence:
• Telling my secret crossed the line.
• He crossed the line when he lied.
Other ways to say: Go too far, do something wrong
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea of stepping over a limit or rule.
Usage: Used when someone acts in a way that breaks trust or respect.
23. Pull a disappearing act
Meaning: To leave suddenly and without warning
Example Sentence:
• He pulled a disappearing act right before the project.
• She always disappears when things get tough.
Other ways to say: Vanish, leave without notice
Fun Fact/Origin: It sounds like a magic trick, but used for real-life situations.
Usage: Used when someone leaves others in trouble or confused.
24. Sing like a canary
Meaning: To tell on someone or give away secrets
Example Sentence:
• The boy got caught and sang like a canary.
• Don’t trust him—he sings like a canary when scared.
Other ways to say: Tell, snitch
Fun Fact/Origin: Canaries were known to sing loudly in cages.
Usage: Used when someone easily tells what others did wrong.
25. Air someone’s dirty laundry
Meaning: To share private or embarrassing facts about someone
Example Sentence:
• She aired his dirty laundry in front of everyone.
• Friends don’t share each other’s secrets.
Other ways to say: Share secrets, tell things that should be private
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea of washing clothes in public.
Usage: Used when someone shares things that should be kept quiet.
26. Be all talk
Meaning: To say you will help but never do it
Example Sentence:
• He promised to stand by me, but he was all talk.
• She’s all talk—she never helps.
Other ways to say: Make empty promises, fake helper
Fun Fact/Origin: Words are easy, actions are harder.
Usage: Used when someone talks big but doesn’t support you when needed.
27. Flip-flop
Meaning: To change sides or decisions quickly
Example Sentence:
• He flip-flopped after promising to help me.
• I don’t trust flip-floppers.
Other ways to say: Change mind, switch sides
Fun Fact/Origin: Named after the sound of something switching back and forth.
Usage: Used when someone can’t be trusted to stay loyal.
28. Cry wolf
Meaning: To lie so much that no one believes you when you tell the truth
Example Sentence:
• He cried wolf too many times—now no one trusts him.
• Don’t cry wolf if it’s not real.
Other ways to say: Lie, make false alarms
Fun Fact/Origin: From an old fable where a boy lied about wolves.
Usage: Used when someone lies often and breaks trust.
29. Fake friend
Meaning: Someone who pretends to care but doesn’t
Example Sentence:
• She acted nice, but she was a fake friend.
• He found out who his fake friends were after the fight.
Other ways to say: Pretender, dishonest friend
Fun Fact/Origin: Common among kids and teens, especially on social media.
Usage: Used when someone is not really your friend, just pretending.
30. Talk out of both sides of your mouth
Meaning: To say two different things to two people
Example Sentence:
• He told me one thing and told her the opposite—he talks out of both sides of his mouth.
• Don’t trust people who do that.
Other ways to say: Be dishonest, lie
Fun Fact/Origin: The idea is that a person can’t say opposite things honestly.
Usage: Used when someone tells lies to different people.
31. Turn the tables
Meaning: To change a situation so you have the advantage
Example Sentence:
• He turned the tables and used my words against me.
• She turned the tables after I helped her win.
Other ways to say: Change sides, flip the situation
Fun Fact/Origin: From board games, where turning the table changes position.
Usage: Used when someone surprises you by changing their side or plan.
32. Cold shoulder
Meaning: To ignore someone on purpose
Example Sentence:
• After the fight, she gave me the cold shoulder.
• He acted like I wasn’t there—cold shoulder.
Other ways to say: Ignore, give silent treatment
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from offering someone a cold piece of food instead of a warm one.
Usage: Used when someone treats another person like they don’t care.
33. Out for themselves
Meaning: A person who only thinks about their own gain
Example Sentence:
• He’s out for himself—he doesn’t help the team.
• Don’t count on her, she’s only out for herself.
Other ways to say: Selfish, not a team player
Fun Fact/Origin: Used a lot in teamwork or school group projects.
Usage: Used when someone cares more about winning than helping.
34. Talk smack
Meaning: To say mean things about someone
Example Sentence:
• They were talking smack about me after I left.
• Don’t talk smack—it’s mean.
Other ways to say: Trash talk, insult
Fun Fact/Origin: Popular slang in sports and school life
Usage: Used when someone says rude things behind your back.
35. Wolf in sheep’s clothing
Meaning: A person who looks kind but is dangerous
Example Sentence:
• He seemed nice, but he was a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
• That fake friend was just a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
Other ways to say: Pretender, hidden danger
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from a Bible story and old tales.
Usage: Used when someone hides their bad side under a nice look.
Quiz: Idioms About Betrayal
Instructions: Choose the correct meaning for each question. Pick A, B, or C. Each question is about a betrayal idiom.
Question Key
1. What does “stab someone in the back” mean?
A) Give someone a massage
B) Say something funny
C) Betray someone secretly
2. What does it mean if someone is “two-faced”?
A) They wear makeup
B) They act nice but talk bad about you
C) They have a twin
3. If a person “throws someone under the bus,” what are they doing?
A) Helping them cross the street
B) Blaming them to protect themselves
C) Driving them to school
4. What is a “snake in the grass”?
A) A real snake
B) A harmless friend
C) A sneaky person you can’t trust
5. What does “go behind someone’s back” mean?
A) Give them a surprise party
B) Act in secret to betray them
C) Help them with homework
6. What does “bite the hand that feeds you” mean?
A) Thank someone for lunch
B) Hurt someone who helped you
C) Ask for more food
7. If someone is a “fake friend,” what does that mean?
A) They like video games
B) They only pretend to be nice
C) They always help others
8. What does it mean if someone “talks behind your back”?
A) Tells a secret kindly
B) Talks bad about you when you’re not there
C) Sings a happy song
9. If someone “plays both sides,” what are they doing?
A) Helping both teams
B) Watching a movie
C) Pretending to be loyal to everyone but really not
10. What does “cold shoulder” mean?
A) A body part that feels cold
B) A nice hug
C) Ignoring someone on purpose
11. What does “sing like a canary” mean?
A) Sing in music class
B) Tell all the secrets
C) Fly around happily
12. If someone “pulls the rug out from under you,” what happened?
A) You slipped on the floor
B) They took away support suddenly
C) They cleaned the room
13. What does “wolf in sheep’s clothing” mean?
A) A scary animal
B) A kind person
C) Someone pretending to be nice but really isn’t
Answer Key
- C – Betray someone secretly
- B – They act nice but talk bad about you
- B – Blaming them to protect themselves
- C – A sneaky person you can’t trust
- B – Act in secret to betray them
- B – Hurt someone who helped you
- B – They only pretend to be nice
- B – Talks bad about you when you’re not there
- C – Pretending to be loyal to everyone but really not
- C – Ignoring someone on purpose
- B – Tell all the secrets
- B – They took away support suddenly
- C – Someone pretending to be nice but really isn’t
Wrapping Up
Betrayal is never easy to deal with, but idioms help explain the feeling in simple ways. These short phrases are used often in the USA. They help people talk about broken trust without saying too much. Whether it’s “stab in the back” or “fake friend,” these idioms make it easier to share how we feel when someone lets us down.
Now that you know these idioms, you can understand them when you hear them in movies, school, or even at home. They’re part of everyday American talk and help make tough situations clearer. Learning them can also help you speak with more feeling and truth.
