mutual distrust
Two-way doubt
Mutual distrust describes a relationship in which both parties regard each other with suspicion and lack confidence in the other's intentions or reliability.
Unlike one-sided suspicion, the distrust flows in both directions, creating a reciprocal wariness that often makes cooperation difficult.
Mutual distrust between the two nations has stalled diplomatic progress for decades.
The phrase appears frequently in discussions of international relations, business negotiations, and any situation where parties must work together despite doubting each other's good faith.
- suspicionSense of unease about motives
- warinessCautious distrust
- doubtLack of firm belief
- skepticismDisposition toward doubt
- side eyeDisapproving sideways glance
paranoia · rivalry · power struggle · tension · cold war · guarded · estrangement · coldness · betrayal · enemies · enemy territory · secrecy · deception · hidden agenda · surveillance · espionage · hostility · grudge
- Sino-Japanese Relationsterritorial disputes, diplomatic ties, bilateral talks, historical grievances, diplomatic crisis
- conflictclash, fight, war, battle, dispute
mutual distrustmutual respect
Two-way esteem between parties
mutual admiration · mutual understanding · rapport · goodwill · amity
mutual, mutually, mutuality, distrust, distrustful, distrustfully, trust, trustful, trusting