give the lie to (something)
give the lie to (something)
To refute or counter something. Her somber demeanor gave the lie to her statement that she was doing great.
See also: give, lie
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
give the lie to something
Fig. to show that something is a lie. The evidence gives the lie to your testimony. Your own admission of your part in the conspiracy gives the lie to your earlier testimony.
See also: give, lie
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
give the lie to
Show to be false, refute, as in His black eye gave the lie to his contention that he hadn't been fighting. [First half of 1500s]
See also: give, lie
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
give the lie to something
If something gives the lie to something, it shows that it is not true. At first she thought she was alone. Then, ahead, she saw a sight that gave the lie to that. This survey gives the lie to the idea that Britain is moving towards economic recovery.
See also: give, lie, something
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
give the lie to something
serve to show that something previously stated or believed to be the case is not true.See also: give, lie, something
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
give the ˈlie to something
(formal) show that something is not true: These statistics give the lie to the government’s claim that inflation is under control.See also: give, lie, something
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
give the lie to
1. To show to be inaccurate or untrue.
2. To accuse of lying.
See also: give, lie
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
- give the lie to
- give the lie to something
- a lie has no legs
- lie like a rug
- give the lie to, to
- lie through (one's) teeth
- lie through one's teeth
- lie through teeth
- lie through your teeth
- be forsworn