two-time
/'tu:,taim/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb:
- To deceive a romantic partner by having a secret romantic or sexual relationship with another person simultaneously. This action constitutes a betrayal of trust and exclusivity typically expected in a committed relationship.
Usage
- This verb is transitive and requires a direct object (the person being deceived).
- It is informal and carries a strong negative connotation of dishonesty and betrayal.
- The past tense and past participle form is two-timed.
Examples
- Verb:
- She discovered he was two-timing her with her best friend.
- He felt guilty for two-timing his girlfriend while he was away on business.
- I would never two-time someone I care about.
Advanced Usage
- "to be two-timed": to be the victim of this deception.
- She was devastated after being two-timed.
- The term implies an ongoing, secretive parallel relationship, not a single instance of infidelity.
Variants and Related Words
- Two-timer (noun): A person who two-times someone.
- He's a known two-timer; you shouldn't trust him.
Synonyms
- Cheat on: The most common and direct synonym.
- Be unfaithful to: A more formal phrase.
- Betray: A broader term for breaking trust, which can include romantic betrayal.
Related Phrasal Verbs / Collocations
- Two-time on (someone): A less common but understood variant of the verb.
- He was accused of two-timing on his wife.
Related Idioms
- While not a direct idiom, the concept is central to phrases like:
- "To have a bit on the side": (idiom, informal) To have a secret lover.
- "To play around": (idiom, informal) To be sexually unfaithful.
Verb
- carry on a romantic relationship with two people at the same time