give the lie to (something)
To refute or counter something. Her somber demeanor gave the lie to her statement that she was doing great. Honey, the more you say you don't care if your ex is there, it really gives the lie to that sentiment. I have intel that gives the lie to management's notion that employees are happy.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
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.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
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]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
give the lie to
1. To show to be inaccurate or untrue.
2. To accuse of lying.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
give the lie to, to
To refute, to prove false; also, to accuse of lying. This expression dates from the sixteenth century. Sir Walter Raleigh used it in his poem “The Lie,” in which he tells his soul to survive his body: “Go, since I needs must die, and give the world the lie.” It is less often heard today.
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer