# forked tongue

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/forked-tongue
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

The characteristic of deceptiveness; duplicity; untruthfulness.

## Examples

- Do not trust him, he speaks with a forked tongue.
- The politician promised lower taxes to everyone, but his opponents claimed he was speaking with a forked tongue.
- Despite his charming demeanor and eloquent speeches, the diplomat was known to speak with a forked tongue, often saying one thing to his allies and another to his enemies.

---

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.