be speaking out of both sides of (one's) mouth

be speaking out of both sides of (one's) mouth

To be trying 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, speaking