feed (one) a line
feed (one) a line
1. To tell an actor what to say. In this usage, the phrase is often used in the plural ("feed one (one's) lines"), and "line" refers to a line of dialogue in the script. I'm sorry, I can't remember a word of this scene—can someone please feed me my lines?
2. To speak deceptively to one. In this usage, "line" refers to a prepared response, perhaps one intended to be what the listener wants to hear. Don't feed me a line, tell me the truth—what's the real reason you missed my party?
See also: feed, line
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
feed someone a line
1. Also, feed someone lines. Cue an actor with his or her next line (or lines), or tell someone what to say, as in Some contestants become tongue-tied, so someone has to feed them a line, or Eric still has trouble learning a part; he needs someone to feed him his lines.
2. Also, hand someone a line. Lead someone on, deceive with glib or exaggerated talk. For example, He really fed them a line about his important new position, or Don't hand me a line-I know exactly how much you paid for it. [Early 1900s]
See also: feed, line, someone
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
- feed someone a line
- come in(to) line
- come into line
- get in(to) line
- get a line on
- get a line on (someone or something)
- get a line on someone
- step out of line
- all along the line
- all along/down the line