lend color to (something)

lend color to (something)

To embellish or add information or details to an account of something, especially to make it seem more credible or probable. He splashed mud all over his car and clothes to lend color to his story about being in the mountains all weekend. We cannot do anything that will lend color to our opponents' allegations about us.See also: color, lend

lend color to something

Fig. to provide an interesting accompaniment for something. Your clever comments lent a great deal of color to the slide show of your vacation. The excellent master of ceremonies will lend color to an otherwise dry panel discussion.See also: color, lend

lend color to

Embellish, especially to give the appearance of truth. For example, I'm sure he lied about reaching the summit; that detailed account about losing his pack merely lent color to the story . This expression uses color in the sense of "appearance of authenticity." [Late 1700s] See also: color, lend

lend (or give) colour to

make something seem true or probable. 1991 J. Rusbridger The Intelligence Game Nothing should be done that would lend colour to any suggestion that it [the Security Service] is concerned with the interests of any particular section of the community. See also: colour, lend

lend ˈcolour to something

(British English) (American English lend ˈcolor to something) make something seem probable: The tracks outside the house lend colour to her claim that somebody tried to break in last night.See also: colour, lend, something