[Understanding the Language of Deception: Common English Idioms About Lying]-[Episode 123 - Lying]

English Vocabulary Booster · B1 · 2022-04-20

📋 Summary

Navigating the Nuances of Deception: English Vocabulary for Lying

In this episode of English Vocabulary Booster, host Lara explores the complex and often uncomfortable topic of lying through five essential English expressions. By examining these phrases, learners can better understand how native speakers discuss dishonesty, social avoidance, and the maintenance of secrets.

1. Make Up an Excuse

To "make up an excuse" means to invent a false reason to justify one's actions or to escape an uncomfortable social situation. Lara explains that this is often a strategy used to avoid hurting someone's feelings or to exit a gathering where one feels out of place. She shares a personal anecdote about feeling socially awkward at a show in Valencia; rather than admitting her discomfort, she fabricated a story about meeting someone else to leave early. The key here is that the excuse is an invention rather than a reality.

2. White Lie

A "white lie" is defined as a small, often innocent lie that carries minimal consequences. Unlike malicious deception, white lies are typically told to protect someone's feelings. Lara notes that the color white is associated with innocence. While she advocates for honesty, she acknowledges that white lies can serve as a social lubricant to "keep the peace" when the truth might be unnecessarily harsh or cause a significant, unwanted reaction.

3. My Lips Are Sealed

This idiom is a firm promise of confidentiality. When someone says, "my lips are sealed," they are assuring the listener that they have no intention of revealing a secret. Lara emphasizes that this phrase is a binding social contract; she prides herself on her ability to keep secrets, provided that the speaker explicitly identifies the information as private beforehand.

4. Lie to Someone's Face

"Lying to someone's face" refers to the act of deceiving someone while looking them directly in the eye. This expression implies a high level of confidence and a lack of remorse. It suggests that the speaker is so composed that they can maintain a conversation while providing false information. Lara admits that as a teenager, she often lied to her mother's face to gain independence, though she reflects that she is generally a poor liar who struggles to hide the truth in such direct confrontations.

5. A Big Fat Liar

Finally, the term "a big fat liar" is a pointed, informal insult directed at someone who habitually lies. Lara recounts a painful experience with a former friend who lied compulsively—even going so far as to fabricate an entire life in London. This behavior destroyed their trust. Lara concludes that while she can understand social anxiety, constant deception is a deal-breaker in relationships, leading her to eventually cut ties with the individual.

Conclusion

Language is not just about grammar; it is about navigating human interactions. Whether it is a harmless "white lie" to spare feelings or the more serious act of "lying to someone's face," these expressions provide the necessary vocabulary to describe the spectrum of human dishonesty. As Lara suggests, while honesty is the best policy, understanding these idioms is vital for navigating the social complexities of the English-speaking world.

🎯Key Sentences

I'm so glad I ran into you.

Oh, come on.

It's just a white lie.

What's up?

I'm not feeling too good.

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📝Key Phrases

make up an excuse

white lie

my lips are sealed

lie to someone's face

big fat liar

Expand All

📖 Transcript

Welcome to a new episode of English Vocabulary Booster.

My name is Lara and I'm a SALSA-certified English teacher.

Learning new vocabulary usually takes a long time, but we'll do it in a way that's easy, quick and efficient.

In every episode, we'll learn how to use five new English words or expressions, so that you too can start speaking like a native.

So let's get learning!

Hello, everybody.

Or study on the web version →