Two Faced (Origin)

by Craig Shrives

What Is the Origin of the Saying "Two Faced"?

The term two faced refers to a hypocritical person. It refers to the Roman god Janus, who had two faces, one at the front of his head and another at the back. It was assumed that a person who would say one thing to one person and a conflicting thing to another would have two faces, like Janus.
Two Faced (Origin)

Examples of Use:

  • Anthony seems nice, but he talks behind your back. He's extremely two faced.
  • You can't trust a two-faced person.
  • I've never met anyone so two faced. She's sweet to your face.

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What are idioms? What is figurative language? A list of common grammar errors A list of easily confused words A list of sayings and proverbs