talk out of both sides of (one's) mouth
talk out of both sides of (one's) mouth
To try to maintain contradictory positions or beliefs in an attempt to please the most people. We all know that you've been talking out of both sides of your mouth about the merger, so please, just tell us the truth. Will there be layoffs or not? I don't trust that candidate—he still hasn't committed to a clear course of action and is always talking out of both sides of his mouth.
See also: both, mouth, of, out, side, talk
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
- be talking out of both sides of (one's) mouth
- speak out of both sides of (one's) mouth
- speak out of both sides of your mouth
- be speaking out of both sides of (one's) mouth
- go to the stake
- have it both ways
- in two minds
- of two minds
- butter (one's) bread on both sides
- you can't eat your cake and have it (too)