Two weights and two measures is one popular expression used to indicate an unfair and dishonest act, something done partially.
Usually, it is related to similar situations that are treated in completely different ways, following different criteria and at the mercy of the will of the people who carry them out.
However, the official expression is "two weights and two measures", initially recorded in the Holy Bible, in the book of Deuteronomy (25:13-16), which gave rise to the use of the expression:
Do not carry with you two weights, one heavy and the other light, nor have at hand two measures, one long and one short. Use only a weight, an honest and frank weight, and a measure, an honest and frank measure, that you may live long in the land that God your Lord has given you. Dishonest weights and dishonest measures are an abomination to God your Lord. (Bible, Deuteronomy 25:13-16)
This expression is a reference to the old system of measurements and weighing, when there was still no definitive method to standardize weights. Thus, each weighing and measuring was done unevenly, instituting a generalized theft.
In the legal sphere, the saying “two weights and two measures” should not be applied. Theoretically, all citizens should be treated equally in court.
In English, the expression “two weights and two measures” can be literally translated to two weights and two measures.
See too:
- man is man's wolf
- The good Son returns home