Dictionary

1double–dealing

noun dou·ble–deal·ing \ˌdə-bəl-ˈdē-liŋ\

: the practice of pretending to do or think one thing while really doing or thinking something different : dishonest or deceptive behavior

Full Definition of DOUBLE-DEALING

:  action contradictory to a professed attitude :  duplicity
dou·ble–deal·er \-ˈdē-lər\ noun
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First Known Use of DOUBLE-DEALING

1529

Synonym Discussion of DOUBLE-DEALING

deception, fraud, double-dealing, subterfuge, trickery mean the acts or practices of one who deliberately deceives. deception may or may not imply blameworthiness, since it may suggest cheating or merely tactical resource <magicians are masters of deception>. fraud always implies guilt and often criminality in act or practice <indicted for fraud>. double-dealing suggests treachery or at least action contrary to a professed attitude <a go-between suspected of double-dealing>. subterfuge suggests the adoption of a stratagem or the telling of a lie in order to escape guilt or to gain an end <obtained the papers by subterfuge>. trickery implies ingenious acts intended to dupe or cheat <resorted to trickery to gain their ends>.

2double–dealing

adjective

Definition of DOUBLE-DEALING

:  given to or marked by duplicity

First Known Use of DOUBLE-DEALING

1587

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