put words in(to) (one's) mouth
(redirected from put words in (one's) mouth)put words in(to) (one's) mouth
To falsely attribute a statement or belief to someone. I never said you were lazy—stop putting words in my mouth! Just because the senator has highlighted potential problems with the legislation does not mean that she opposes it. Please do not put words in her mouth like that.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
put words in (to) someone's mouth
Fig. to interpret what someone said so that the words mean what you want and not what the speaker wanted. I didn't say that! You are putting words into my mouth. Stop putting words in my mouth!
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
put words in someone's mouth
Tell what someone should say, as in Give Janey a chance to answer my question; don't put words in her mouth. This graphic term appeared in the Bible (II Samuel 14:3): "So Joab put words in her mouth." Also see take the words out of one's mouth.
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.
put words into someone's mouth
orput words in someone's mouth
1. If someone puts words into your mouth or in your mouth, they claim that you said something that you did not actually say. She claimed that she had never made that statement and that the interviewer had put words into her mouth.
2. If someone puts words into your mouth or in your mouth, they tell you what they think your opinion is instead of listening to what you say. No, I don't think you're lazy. Hold it, you're putting words into my mouth — I never once said you were lazy!
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
put words in (or into) someone's mouth
1 falsely report what someone has said. 2 prompt or encourage someone to say something.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
put ˈwords in/into somebody’s mouth
say or suggest that somebody has said something, when they have not: You’re putting words in my mouth. I didn’t say the whole house was dirty, I just said the living room needed a clean.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
put words into someone's mouth, to
To tell or strongly suggest what someone should say. This term is in the Old Testament: “So Joab put the words in her mouth” (2 Samuel 14:3). For a corollary to this cliché, see words right out of someone’s mouth.
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer