out of both sides of one's mouth en · ADP
Etymology
Compare out of the side of one's mouth.
Meanings
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(figuratively) Indicating contradictory things.
to talk out of both sides of one's mouth
If speaking out of both sides of your mouth at the same time were a modern art form, they would be on permanent exhibition at the Tate. Sadly, it is not the only issue where they exhibit that trait, but I shall not go into the subject of vigilantism here.
2002 April 7, Derek Mooney, “Ireland's future is in Europe”, in The Observer:Even to a long-term student of political ventriloquy, the Abbott government’s capacity to speak out of both sides of its mouth on climate policy is astonishing.
2015 June 19, Lenore Taylor, “The Coalition is engaging in double talk on climate policy – it has no other option”, in The Guardian, →ISSN:The lawyer, Samuel Hirsch, said: "They're speaking out of both sides of their mouth," when the company claims its food is healthy but should be eaten in moderation.
2003 February 21, David Teather, quoting Samuel Hirsch, “‘McFrankenstein’ returns to haunt fast food chain in new court action”, in The Guardian, →ISSN:to speak out of both sides of one's mouth
Relateds
in the same breath · laugh out of the other side of one's mouth · double talk · preach water and drink wine · run with the hare and hunt with the hounds · speak with a forked tongue