live a lie

live a lie

To live in a way that contradicts or is intended to hide what one truly believes or desires. It felt like I was living a lie the whole time I was in the office job. I'm so much happier now that I'm following my dream of becoming a chef.
See also: lie, live
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

live a lie

COMMON If someone lives a lie, they live in a way which they feel is dishonest and false. Jackie began to keep a large part of her life a secret from her husband. She started to live a lie. My mother never told my father the truth about me. We've been living a lie all this time. Note: You can also talk about a living lie. His whole life had become a living lie.
See also: lie, live
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

live a lie

lead a life that conceals your true nature or circumstances.
See also: lie, live
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

live a ˈlie

keep something important about yourself a secret from other people, so that they do not know what you really think, what you are really like, etc: In the end she found that she couldn’t go on living a lie, and told him the truth.
See also: lie, live
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • worldly
  • worldly desires
  • earthly
  • earthly desires
  • watch the clock
  • all or nothing
  • first and last
  • hands are tied
  • (one's) hands are tied
  • your hands are tied