दोहरा चेहरा
/ˈd̪oːɦɾɑː ˈt͡ʃeːɦɾɑː/A person who pretends to have virtues, beliefs, or feelings that they do not actually possess; someone who acts in contradiction to their stated beliefs or values.
वह दोहरा चेहरा रखता है: दूसरों से ईमानदारी की बात करता है लेकिन खुद धोखेबाज़ है।
He has a double face: talks about honesty to others but is deceitful himself.
Often used to describe people who present one image in public but behave differently in private.
Collocations
Related Phrases
💡Pro Tip
Cultural Context
In Hindi culture, maintaining 'इज्जत' (honor/respect) is crucial. The idiom 'दोहरा चेहरा' is often used when someone's public image is shattered due to their contradictory private actions, which is considered a severe moral failing.
⚡Gold Rule
Usage Rule
This idiom is used for people, not objects or abstract concepts. Avoid using it for situations where the contradiction is unintentional or due to circumstances beyond control.
📖Word Origin
Compound of 'दोहरा' (dohra, meaning 'double' or 'twofold') and 'चेहरा' (chehra, meaning 'face'). The phrase metaphorically represents the act of wearing two different faces—one for public display and another for private behavior.
📝Usage Notes
This idiom is commonly used in Hindi-speaking contexts to criticize someone's lack of integrity. It is stronger than 'झूठा' (liar) as it implies a deeper contradiction between words and actions.