Welcome to our post about idioms that involve the term “lies” or the theme of deception. These phrases are used in everyday English and have meanings that are not obvious just from the words themselves. We’ve compiled a list that’s easy to understand, so even kids can start to recognize and use these expressions.
Lies Idioms
Here are 20 lies idioms in English.
1. White lie
Meaning: A harmless or trivial lie, usually told to avoid hurting someone’s feelings.
Example: He told a white lie about liking her cooking.
2. Lie through one’s teeth
Meaning: To tell a complete and blatant lie.
Example: He lied through his teeth about his alibi.
3. Living a lie
Meaning: Pretending to live a life that is not genuine.
Example: She was living a lie in her unhappy marriage.
4. Give the lie to
Meaning: To show something is false.
Example: His smile gave the lie to his sadness.
5. Bald-faced lie
Meaning: A very obvious and untruthful statement.
Example: He told a bald-faced lie about his whereabouts.
6. Economical with the truth
Meaning: To leave out important facts; deceptive.
Example: She was economical with the truth about her past.
7. Lie low
Meaning: To keep out of sight; avoid attention.
Example: He decided to lie low until the scandal passed.
8. Lie in wait
Meaning: To wait secretly to surprise or attack someone.
Example: The thief lay in wait in the dark alley.
9. Lie heavy on
Meaning: To weigh down, cause worry or guilt.
Example: The secret lay heavy on his heart.
10. A tissue of lies
Meaning: A complex, woven set of falsehoods.
Example: His excuse was a tissue of lies.
11. Lie at the heart of
Meaning: To be central or crucial to a matter.
Example: Trust lies at the heart of their relationship.
12. Lie in one’s throat
Meaning: To tell a blatant lie.
Example: He lied in his throat during the interrogation.
13. Lie through one’s hat
Meaning: To tell absurd or unbelievable lies.
Example: She was lying through her hat about her age.
14. Lie in state
Meaning: A body displayed before a funeral.
Example: The leader lay in state for three days.
15. Lie doggo
Meaning: To remain unnoticed.
Example: He lay doggo during the office conflict.
16. Live in a fool’s paradise
Meaning: To believe things that are untrue or unrealistic.
Example: He’s living in a fool’s paradise, ignoring the risks.
17. Bear false witness
Meaning: To lie or provide untruthful testimony.
Example: He bore false witness against his colleague.
18. Put a lie to bed
Meaning: To stop a lie from spreading or continuing.
Example: She put the lie to bed by telling the truth.
19. Pack of lies
Meaning: A series of lies or fabricated stories.
Example: His explanation was nothing but a pack of lies.
20. As false as dice
Meaning: Utterly dishonest or deceitful.
Example: His promises are as false as dice.
