What's the word/phrase?

Question

to describe the act of somebody leaving their own team to secretly join the opposing team for their own benefit (such as the opposing team has a more likely chance of winning, etc), in which both teams are fighting for a common goal.

E.g. "I thought Brandon was reliable, I can't believe he _______ us."

Thanks a million!

Cayuse · Accepted Answer

"I thought Brandon was reliable. I can't believe he abandoned us."

However, this does not fully express the events that you are describing.

A good word to describe someone switching sides, regardless of the goals of the sides in question, is "defected".

"I can't believe Brandon defected."

http://thesaurus.com/browse/defected

Anonymous · Answer

Also, what does turn on somebody, and backdoor somebody means? I often hear it, I have an idea, but not completely positive.

E.g. You can trust me, I won't turn on you.

Cayuse · Answer

When John 'turns on' Bob, John is going from either a friendly or neutral position to an adversarial position with respect to Bob.

"Backdoor" is not commonly used in this context.

Is it possible that you meant "backstab?"

When John "backstabs" Bob, John is leading Bob to believe that they are in agreement, while John undermines Bob's position 'behind his back'. The meaning is 'without his knowledge' until it is too late and the damage is done.

Regards,

Cay

Anonymous · Answer

Thanks a lot Cay~  it's backdoor, I heard it on tv, but I guess it's probably a slang. Anyway, thanks again.

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