speak out of both sides of (one's) mouth

speak out of both sides of (one's) mouth

To try to maintain contradictory positions or beliefs in an attempt to please the most people. We all know that you've been speaking out of both sides of your mouth about the merger, so please, just tell us the truth. Will there be layoffs or not? I don't trust that candidate—he still hasn't committed to a clear course of action and is always speaking out of both sides of his mouth.

See also: both, mouth, of, out, side, speak

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

speak out of both sides of your mouth

or

talk out of both sides of your mouth

AMERICAN

If someone speaks or talks out of both sides of their mouth, they give different advice or opinions on the same subject in different situations. Lenny would speak out of both sides of his mouth. He would say to one person that our company was failing and the next day he'd talk about our long-term future. Note: This expressions is used to show disapproval.

See also: both, mouth, of, out, side, speak

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012