# serve two masters

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/serve-two-masters
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To take orders from two superiors or two conflicting parties.

## Examples

- It is hard to serve two masters at the same time.
- The manager struggled to serve two masters when the CEO and the board members gave him conflicting instructions.
- The diplomat found it impossible to serve two masters, as the interests of his home country and his host nation were fundamentally opposed.

## Origin

From Matthew 6:24 in the Bible.

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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.