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Truth, Secrecy, & Deception - Pretense

Discover how English idioms like "keep up appearances" and "crocodile tears" relate to pretenses in English.

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English idioms relate to Truth, Secrecy, & Deception
in name only

used for saying that a person, thing, situation etc. is not actually like what their description, label, or title suggests

[phrase]
to keep up appearances

to act and behave as if everything is fine so that others do not find out about one's problems

[phrase]
lip service

an insincere offer or promise of support, assistance, etc.

[noun]
to put one's money where one's mouth is

to take action that proves one's sincerity or commitment to what one has said by investing or spending money on it

[phrase]
wolf in sheep's clothing

an evil person who seems nice and friendly

[phrase]
to play dead

to fake death by lying on the ground without moving

[phrase]
to put on a brave face

to behave in a way that hides one's unhappiness, worries, or problems

[phrase]
to play it cool

to act calmly in order to hide one's anger, enthusiasm, fear, etc. from others

[phrase]
to cry wolf

to have a bad reputation of calling for help when one does not really need any, and so making oneself untrustworthy

[phrase]
crocodile tears

fake display of feelings of sadness, remorse, or sympathy

[noun]
butter would not melt in one's mouth

used for saying that a person only appears to be nice or innocent, but they are not like that in reality

[sentence]
to put on an act

to talk or behave in a way that is fake

[phrase]
accidentally on purpose

used to refer to when someone does something intentionally, but pretends as if it was an accident

[phrase]
stool pigeon

a person sent into a group as a spy to report on its activities

[noun]
to play possum

to pretend as if one is asleep or dead so that others will not bother or attack one

[phrase]
paper tiger

someone or something that looks frightening, dangerous, or strong while in reality, they are not

[noun]
whistle in the dark

to act as if one is not afraid or worried

[phrase]
to turn on the waterworks

to begin crying just to get others to sympathize with one or do what one asks of them

[phrase]
champagne taste on a beer budget

used when someone likes to have things so expensive they cannot possibly afford

[sentence]
to strike an attitude of sth

to purposefully choose to behave in a specific manner to show a specific idea or leave a specific impression

[phrase]
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