lead a double life

Idioms

Live as if one were two persons, usually one good and one bad. For example, They learned that his frequent travels were actually fictitious, and he was leading a double life, with a second home on the other side of town. This phrase is frequently used for a married person who establishes a second household with a lover. [Late 1800s] Also see Jekyll and Hyde.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It is challenging to wrap my head around your husband’s choice to basically lead a double life for these last eight years.

From Washington Post • Dec. 23, 2022

Fejes said she knows of gay people who do not come out in Kecskemet but rather lead a double life, spending time in Budapest where anonymity is easier.

From Reuters • Dec. 13, 2021

He said he felt a sense of relief that he no longer had to lead a double life and persuaded me to give him a chance to prove his love.

From The Guardian • Aug. 31, 2018

They are unable to quit and typically lead a double life, telling lies, keeping secrets and justifying the behavior to themselves.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 26, 2017

I shall not lead a double life, or conceal from you any change in my regard toward you.

From Rose of Dutcher's Coolly by Garland, Hamlin

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023