English idioms relate to Truth, Secrecy, & Deception

English idioms relate to Truth, Secrecy, & Deception - Pretense

school icon20 Words
11 min
in name only / alone
phrase
used for saying that a person, thing, situation etc. is not actually like what their description, label, or title suggests
1
to keep up appearances
phrase
to act and behave as if everything is fine so that others do not find out about one's problems
2
lip service
noun
an insincere offer or promise of support, assistance, etc.
3
to put one's money where one's mouth is
phrase
to take action that proves one's sincerity or commitment to what one has said by investing or spending money on it
4
wolf in sheep's / lamb's clothing
phrase
an evil person who seems nice and friendly
5
to play dead
phrase
to fake death by lying on the ground without moving
6
to put on a brave face / front
phrase
to behave in a way that hides one's unhappiness, worries, or problems
7
to play it cool
phrase
to act calmly in order to hide one's anger, enthusiasm, fear, etc. from others
8
to cry wolf
phrase
to have a bad reputation of calling for help when one does not really need any, and so making oneself untrustworthy
9
crocodile tears
noun
fake display of feelings of sadness, remorse, or sympathy
10
butter would not melt in one's mouth
sentence
used for saying that a person only appears to be nice or innocent, but they are not like that in reality
11
to put on an act
phrase
to talk or behave in a way that is fake
12
accidentally on purpose
phrase
used to refer to when someone does something intentionally, but pretends as if it was an accident
13
stool pigeon
noun
a person sent into a group as a spy to report on its activities
14
to play possum
phrase
to pretend as if one is asleep or dead so that others will not bother or attack one
15
paper tiger
noun
someone or something that looks frightening, dangerous, or strong while in reality, they are not
16
whistle in the dark
phrase
to act as if one is not afraid or worried
17
to turn on the waterworks
phrase
to begin crying just to get others to sympathize with one or do what one asks of them
18
champagne taste on a beer budget
sentence
used when someone likes to have things so expensive they cannot possibly afford
19
to strike an attitude of sth
phrase
to purposefully choose to behave in a specific manner to show a specific idea or leave a specific impression
20
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