The origin of the expression "full of shit" is unclear, but it is believed to have emerged as a colloquialism in the mid-20th century. The phrase is used informally to convey a sense of disbelief, skepticism, or disdain towards someone's statements or deeds. The phrase is often employed in casual conversations or informal settings to express frustration, disbelief, or to challenge the authenticity of someone's words or actions.

What is the origin of the idiom "be full of shit" and when to use it?

to [be] full of (shit|crap)

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The origin of the idiom "be full of it" is derived from the phrase "full of shit," which refers to someone who is seen as insincere, deceptive, or overly boastful in their statements. The idiom conveys a sense of disbelief or skepticism towards what someone is saying, suggesting that their words lack credibility or sincerity. The phrase "full of it" is a toned-down version of the original phrase, replacing the explicit reference to excrement with a more general expression. It is now used to express doubt, disbelief, or a dismissive attitude towards someone's claims or statements.

What is the origin of the idiom "be full of it" and when to use it?

to [be] full of it

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The origin of the idiom "pack of lies" can be traced to the association of lies with the act of deceitful packaging or bundling. The idiom metaphorically refers to a collection or set of deliberate falsehoods or deceptive statements that are presented together as a cohesive narrative. The phrase implies that the lies are tightly packed together, reinforcing one another and potentially creating an illusion of truth. It is often used to describe a situation where multiple lies or a comprehensive falsehood are being propagated.

What is the origin of the idiom "pack of lies" and when to use it?

pack of lies

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A tall tale is a type of story known for its exaggerated and fantastical elements. These tales often feature characters with extraordinary abilities and improbable events, told in a humorous or entertaining way. Tall tales are characterized by their stretch of the truth, where ordinary situations are greatly exaggerated, creating a narrative that is hard to believe. The genre aims to entertain and amuse by presenting unlikely and unbelievable scenarios as if they were true, often highlighting the creativity and humor of the storyteller.

What is a "tall tale"?

tall tale

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The idiom "talk through the back of one's neck" does not have a clear or specific origin. However, it is believed to have emerged as a figurative expression to describe someone who speaks in a nonsensical, foolish, or exaggerated manner. The idiom is used to suggest that the person's words are coming from an illogical or nonsensical source, as if they were talking through the back of their neck instead of their mouth.

What is the origin of the idiom "talk through the back of one's neck" and when to use it?

to [talk] through the back of {one's} neck

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The origin of the idiom "white lie" is rooted in the concept of a lie that is considered harmless or trivial. The term "white" in this context symbolizes purity, innocence, or a lack of malicious intent. The idiom refers to a lie told with good intentions, often to spare someone's feelings or maintain social harmony. This phrase suggests that the lie is not meant to cause harm or deceive, but rather to protect or benefit others in a small or inconsequential way.

What is the origin of the idiom "white lie" and when to use it?

white lie

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The origin of the idiom "put on the dog" can be traced back to the late 19th century. It emerged as an American slang expression, specifically associated with the upper class and their ostentatious displays of wealth and refinement. The idiom "put on the dog" metaphorically refers to the act of presenting oneself with an air of sophistication, elegance, or extravagance. The idiom is often used to describe someone who is dressing up or acting in a manner that is perceived as pretentious or showy.

What is the origin of the idiom "put on the dog" and when to use it?

to [put] on the dog

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The idiom "toot one's own horn" originated from the act of musicians playing brass instruments and creating a sound by blowing air into the instrument's horn. It is used to describe someone who boasts about their own achievements, skills, or abilities, often in a self-promotional or self-aggrandizing manner. In other words, this expression suggests that the person is seeking attention or praise for themselves and is not modest about their accomplishments.

What is the origin of the idiom "toot one's horn" and when to use it?

to [toot|blow] {one's} (own|) horn

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The origin of the idiom "shoot a line about something" does not have a widely recognized or established origin, but it is used to refer to the act of telling a story or engaging in conversation, often with a sense of exaggeration or fabrication. It suggests that the speaker is presenting information that may not be entirely truthful or accurate.

What is the origin of the idiom "shoot a line about something" and when to use it?

to [shoot] a line about {sth}

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The idiom "spin a tale" has its origin in the ancient tradition of storytelling. The term "spin" metaphorically refers to the act of creating or narrating a story with skill and creativity. It makes a direct reference to the image of a spinner or weaver skillfully crafting a narrative. The idiom implies that the storyteller is engaging in the art of storytelling, often embellishing or fabricating details to captivate the audience. It is commonly used to describe someone who is adept at inventing or recounting imaginative and entertaining stories.

What is the origin of the idiom "spin a tale" and when to use it?

to [spin] a (tale|story|yarn)

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The idiom "lie like a rug" originates from the association of rugs or carpets with a smooth and flat surface. The phrase suggests that someone is lying in a manner that is exceptionally deceptive or untruthful, much like a perfectly laid rug that conceals the imperfections beneath. This expression is used to imply that the person is skilled in distorting or fabricating the truth, often with the intention to manipulate or deceive others.

What is the origin of the idiom "lie like a rug" and when to use it?

to [lie] like a (cheap|) rug

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The idiom "lie through one's teeth" finds its origin in the literal act of lying with great audacity or boldness. The phrase emphasizes the extent to which someone is lying by focusing on the use of their teeth, which are typically associated with speaking and articulating words. It implies that the person is intentionally and shamelessly telling a blatant falsehood, often with a deliberate intention to deceive or mislead others. The idiom is commonly used to describe someone who is lying with full knowledge and without any remorse, emphasizing the level of dishonesty involved.

What is the origin of the idiom "lie through one's teeth" and when to use it?

to [lie] through {one's} teeth

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The idiom "hot air" has its origin in the concept of heated or inflated air that lacks substance or significance. The phrase metaphorically refers to empty or exaggerated talk that lacks truth, substance, or value. It is used to imply that the speaker is engaging in idle chatter, making grandiose claims, or offering empty promises without any real substance or intention to follow through.

What is the origin of the idiom "hot air" and when to use it?

hot air

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The idiom "blow smoke up one's ass" has its origin in a historical medical practice dating back to the 18th century. Prior to the development of modern resuscitation techniques, physicians believed that blowing smoke into the rectum of a supposedly deceased person could revive them. This practice was based on the mistaken belief that the warm tobacco smoke would stimulate the body and restore life. Over time, this expression evolved to figuratively mean the act of insincerely flattering or praising someone excessively to gain favor or manipulate them. It implies that the person doing the flattery is being deceitful or disingenuous in their attempts to win the trust or admiration of another.

What is the origin of the idiom "blow smoke up one's ass" and when to use it?

to [blow] smoke up {one's} [ass]

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The origin of the idiom "full of beans" is not definitively documented, but it likely stems from the early 20th century American slang. Originally, the phrase was used to describe lively or energetic behavior, possibly referring to the lively movements of beans when they're cooked. Over time, its meaning evolved to include the idea of someone being full of nonsense or talking without substance, suggesting that they are not being truthful.

What is the origin of the idiom "full of beans" and when to use it?

full of beans

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The idiom "economical with the truth" originated from a statement made by Sir Robert Armstrong, a British civil servant, during the 1986 Spycatcher trial. Armstrong used the phrase to describe a situation where someone deliberately avoids telling the complete truth or provides a distorted version of the truth while trying to maintain a semblance of honesty. The idiom is used to imply that the person is selectively withholding or manipulating information to shape a narrative that serves their own interests or agenda.

economical with the truth

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The idiom "live a lie" originates from the concept of someone leading a life that is incongruent with their true self or beliefs. The phrase suggests that the person is pretending or presenting a false image to the world, often due to fear, societal pressure, or a desire to maintain certain appearances. The idiom is commonly used to describe someone who is trapped in a facade or living a life that contradicts their genuine desires or values.

What is the origin of the idiom "live a lie" and when to use it?

to [live] a lie

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to [lie] {one's} way (into|in|) {sth|}

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to [over-egg] the pudding

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Explore English idioms regarding lying and exaggeration, including "spin a tale" and "economical with the truth".

English Idioms for "Lying & Exaggeration"