put words in (one's) mouth

put words in (one's) mouth

To falsely attribute a statement or belief to someone. I never said you were lazy—stop putting words in my mouth!

See also: mouth, put, word

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!

See also: mouth, put, word

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.

See also: mouth, put, word

put words in (or into) someone's mouth

1 falsely report what someone has said. 2 prompt or encourage someone to say something.

See also: mouth, put, word

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.

See also: mouth, put, word