# act the hypocrite

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/act-the-hypocrite
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To behave deceitfully or hypocritically; to dissemble.

## Examples

- He acts the hypocrite when he tells others to be honest.
- It is hard to trust a leader who acts the hypocrite by breaking the very rules he created for his staff.
- The politician continued to act the hypocrite, publicly condemning the corruption he was secretly profiting from behind closed doors.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.