Two-timing

Two-timing refers to the act of secretly having romantic relationships or affairs with more than one person at the same time, thereby deceiving and betraying the trust of one or both partners. It involves dishonesty, infidelity, and a lack of commitment. The term highlights the deceitful nature of the act, emphasizing the concurrent involvement with multiple individuals, often leading to emotional distress and relationship breakdown. This behaviour constitutes a significant breach of trust and is generally considered unethical and hurtful. It often signifies a lack of respect and consideration for the feelings of the other involved parties.

Two-timing meaning with examples

• Sarah discovered her boyfriend, Mark, was two-timing her with a woman he met at work. She felt betrayed and devastated by his deception, which shattered their long-term relationship. Their friends were shocked as Mark was generally known as a good guy. She decided to break up with him immediately and cut all communication.
• The tabloid magazine published an exposé revealing that a famous actor was two-timing his wife with a younger actress. The scandal caused significant damage to the actor's public image and resulted in intense media scrutiny for all involved. Fans expressed outrage as the story played out across social media.
• After weeks of suspicion, Emily uncovered evidence that her husband, John, was two-timing her with a mutual friend. Her anger and hurt were compounded by the fact that the other woman was someone she had confided in. She confronted John leading to an acrimonious divorce.
• Despite promises of monogamy, David was suspected of two-timing both his girlfriend and a casual acquaintance. His inconsistent behaviour raised concerns among his social circle, as he was often unavailable and acted strangely around both women. His friends were sure that he was engaging in underhanded relationships.