give the lie to


give the lie to (something)

To refute or counter something. Her somber demeanor gave the lie to her statement that she was doing great.See also: give, lie

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.See also: give, lie

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] See also: give, lie

give the lie to

1. To show to be inaccurate or untrue.2. To accuse of lying.See also: give, lie

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. See also: give, lie