have two faces —(also: have two faces under a hood)
1. be deceitful or insincere in one’s behavior:
- The woman had two faces: the one she used with clients, who adored her, and another for the office.
2. have two different aspects:
- Psychiatry has two faces, one represented by treatment at the psychosocial level and the other by treatment at the pharmacologic level.
Note:
a) The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase be like a dog with two tails—(coll.) be extremely happy:
- I am not used to being home; husband is like a dog with two tails, and his excitement at having me here is starting to annoy me.
b) The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase have two strings to one’s bow—have two alternative courses open:
- A dual honors degree has a number of advantages: When deciding on a career, you will have two strings to your bow.
wear two hats—hold two official appointments at the same time; have two sets of responsibilities:
- Because I breed racehorses, I also am a farmer so I wear two hats.
Note: The expression is not equivalent in meaning to the phrase serve two masters—be loyal to two different people, completely opposed principles, etc.:
- I felt I could not be effective, as a Councilor should there be the perception that I was serving two masters.