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Forked Tongue

What Does "Forked Tongue" Mean?

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"Forked tongue" is an English idiom. It means "dishonest speech or deceit, often used to describe someone who says one thing but means another."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "forked tongue" used in a sentence:
  • You can't trust him; he speaks with a forked tongue.
  • Her promises mean nothing; she has a forked tongue.
  • The villagers knew the outsider spoke with a forked tongue.
meaning for forked tongue

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Forked Tongue" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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