What does “Lie through your teeth” mean?
"Lie through your teeth" means to tell a deliberate and obvious lie.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He lied through his teeth when he said he didn't eat the last cookie.
Example
She lied through her teeth about her whereabouts last night.
Example
The politician lied through his teeth during the debate
Is “Lie through your teeth” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Lie through your teeth” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Lie through your teeth” effectively in context?
You can use "Lie through your teeth" to describe someone who is telling a deliberate and obvious lie. It emphasizes the dishonesty and lack of credibility in their statements. For example, if someone denies eating the last cookie when it's clear they did, you might say, 'He lied through his teeth when he said he didn't eat the last cookie.'
- 1Personal Relationships
She lied through her teeth about her whereabouts last night, even though her friends saw her at the party.
- 2Politics
The politician lied through his teeth during the debate, making promises he had no intention of keeping.
- 3Workplace
He lied through his teeth about his qualifications to get the job, but was quickly exposed when he couldn't perform the required tasks.
Similar phrases to “Lie through your teeth”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Lie through your teeth” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Lie through your teeth" is unknown.
Is “Lie through your teeth” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Lie through your teeth" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to express disbelief or frustration with someone who is blatantly lying.
What tone does “Lie through your teeth” have?
"Lie through your teeth" conveys a tone of disbelief and criticism. It's often used to express frustration or disappointment in someone's dishonesty.
Can “Lie through your teeth” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Lie through your teeth" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of someone telling a deliberate and obvious lie. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as discussions, presentations, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He lied through his teeth and denied any involvement.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'He "lied through his teeth"!' to express disbelief.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- fib
- fabricate
- deceive
- mislead
- dishonesty
- exaggerate
- misrepresent
- tell a whopper
- make up stories
- stretch the truth
Antonyms
- confess
- tell the truth
- be honest
- speak the truth
- admit the truth
