Betrayal can be a devastating experience, and its impact is often reflected in our language. In this blog post, we will explore 20 idioms and phrasal verbs related to betrayal. Each expression includes a brief definition and an example sentence to help you understand and use these phrases effectively.
1. Stab in the Back
Meaning: Betray secretly.
Example: She felt it was a stab in the back.
2. Sell Out
Meaning: Betray for personal gain.
Example: He sold out his friends for money.
3. Double-Cross
Meaning: Betray someone who trusts you.
Example: He double-crossed his partner in crime.
4. Turncoat
Meaning: Someone who switches loyalty.
Example: He was a turncoat during the war.
5. Rat Out
Meaning: Inform on someone.
Example: She ratted out her accomplice to the police.
6. Two-Faced
Meaning: Deceptive or hypocritical.
Example: Her two-faced behavior shocked everyone.
7. Cross Someone
Meaning: Betray or deceive.
Example: He crossed his best friend in business.
8. Turn One’s Back
Meaning: Abandon or ignore.
Example: They turned their backs on him.
9. Sell Down the River
Meaning: Betray for personal advantage.
Example: He was sold down the river by his boss.
10. Bite the Hand That Feeds
Meaning: Betray a benefactor.
Example: Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.
11. Pull the Rug Out
Meaning: Withdraw support suddenly.
Example: They pulled the rug out from under him.
12. Play Both Ends Against the Middle
Meaning: Manipulate two sides for gain.
Example: She played both ends against the middle.
13. Throw Under the Bus
Meaning: Sacrifice someone for self.
Example: He threw his colleague under the bus.
14. Feather One’s Nest
Meaning: Enrich oneself at others’ expense.
Example: He feathered his nest by betraying friends.
15. Break Faith
Meaning: Violate trust.
Example: They broke faith with their partners.
16. Foul One’s Own Nest
Meaning: Harm one’s own interests.
Example: He fouled his own nest by lying.
17. Backstab
Meaning: Betray secretly.
Example: She was known for her backstabbing ways.
18. Turn Traitor
Meaning: Become disloyal.
Example: He turned traitor during the negotiations.
19. Go Back on One’s Word
Meaning: Fail to keep a promise.
Example: He went back on his word about the deal.
20. Play Judas
Meaning: Betray someone.
Example: She played Judas and betrayed her team.
