double-cross
DUH-buhl-KROSS
/ˈdʌbəl krɒs/
To cheat or betray an associate, especially in an illegal or underhanded transaction.
Implies that two parties agreed to do something dishonest together, but one party cheated the other to keep all the benefits.
The story behind the word. In 19th-century British criminal slang, a 'cross' was an illegal or fixed match or race. If a runner agreed to lose a race (a 'cross') but then secretly ran to win, they had crossed the person who paid them to lose—hence, a 'double-cross'.
Word relationships
- betray: Betray is broad and emotional, while double-cross specifically implies cheating a partner in a shared scheme.
- cooperate: Cooperate means to work together honestly toward a shared goal, keeping one's agreements.
Commonly confused with
- crisscross: Crisscross means to move back and forth in a crossing pattern, while double-cross means to betray.
Word family
- double-crosser (noun): A person who double-crosses someone.
Collocations
- double-cross a partner
- fear of a double-cross
- classic double-cross
Idioms & expressions
- stab in the back
- play both sides against the middle
Example sentences
- "The thieves managed to steal the diamonds, but the getaway driver decided to double-cross his partners and flee with the entire loot." A classic crime thriller scenario.
Memory hook
Imagine drawing a cross over someone's name to cancel them, and then doing it a second time to make sure they are completely ruined. Crossing out a partner twice.
When not to use
Avoid in highly formal legal documents; use 'breach of contract' or 'treason' instead.
Fun facts
- During World War II, the British military ran a highly successful counter-espionage operation called the 'Double-Cross System' (or XX Committee) that turned German spies into double agents.
Explore more words
treachery, duplicitous, collusion, duplicity, treacherous, perfidious
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