define a double standard
A double standard is a code or policy that favors one group or person over another. Double standards are unfair. If a teacher lets all the boys bring candy for lunch but not the girls, thatâs a double standard. A standard is a way of evaluating someone, and a double standard is two-faced. Itâs like having a rule that applies to some people one way and another way to others. Men getting paid more for the same work than women is a double standard.