jest (redirected from jesting)

jest about someone or something

to make jokes about someone or something. There is no need to jest about Lady Bracknell. I wish you would not jest about that.

jest at someone or something

to make fun of someone or something. Please don't jest at my cousin. Is someone jesting at my hairdo?

jest with someone

to joke with someone; to try to fool someone. Surely you are jesting with me. Don't jest with me!

Many a true word is spoken in jest. and There's many a true word spoken in jest.

Prov. Just because something is said as a joke, it can still be true. Fred: Why did you make a joke about my being stingy? Do you really think I'm cheap? Ellen: Of course not, don't be silly. It was just a joke. Fred: But many a true word is spoken in jest.

See also: many, spoken, true, word

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There's many a true word spoken in jest.

something that you say when you think that something someone has said as a joke may really be true or become true 'At this rate we'll be walking all night.' 'Be careful - there's many a true word spoken in jest.'

See also: many, spoken, true, word

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in jest

as a joke He called me stupid, then said it was all in jest and he felt really bad about it.