What does “Spinning a line” mean?
"Spinning a line" means telling a lie.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He's always spinning a line to get out of trouble.
Example
I can't trust him, he's constantly spinning a line.
Example
She's a master at spinning a line to manipulate people
Is “Spinning a line” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Spinning a line” 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 “Spinning a line” effectively in context?
You can use "Spinning a Line" to describe someone who is telling a lie or fabricating a story. It implies that the person is skilled at creating believable falsehoods. For example, if a friend is known for making up excuses, you might say, 'Don't believe him, he's always spinning a line.'
- 1Deception
He's always spinning a line to get out of trouble.
- 2Distrust
I can't trust him, he's constantly spinning a line.
- 3Manipulation
She's a master at spinning a line to manipulate people.
Similar phrases to “Spinning a line”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Spinning a line” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Spinning a Line" is unknown.
Is “Spinning a line” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Spinning a Line" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe someone who is being dishonest or deceptive.
What tone does “Spinning a line” have?
"Spinning a Line" conveys a tone of skepticism and distrust. It suggests that the person being described is not trustworthy and is likely to deceive others.
Can “Spinning a line” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "spinning a line" can be used in both informal and formal settings. However, it is more commonly used in informal conversations among friends, family, or colleagues. In formal situations, it may be more appropriate to use alternative phrases such as 'telling lies' or 'fabricating stories.'
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I can't believe anything he says, he's always spinning a line.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'He's "spinning a line" again!' to imply that someone is lying.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- lying
- deceiving
- misleading
- fibbing
- fabricating stories
Antonyms
- telling the truth
- being honest
- speaking the truth
- being sincere
