Give the lie Meaning in English
expression
ˈɡɪv/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈɫaɪ
GIV thuh LY
ɡˈɪv/ /ðə, ði/ /lˈaɪ
giv thuh LY
Definition
To show that something is not true or to reveal a claim as false, often by presenting facts that contradict what was said.
Usage & Nuances
Formal or literary; mostly found in written English, especially journalism and literature. Often used as 'give the lie to (something)'. Not common in casual speech. Means to contradict or expose as false, not to tell a lie.
Spanish: contradecir - demostrar lo contrarioPortuguese (BR): desmentir - contrariar os fatosPortuguese (PT): desmentir - contradizer os factosChinese (Simplified): 揭穿 - 证明...不实Chinese (Traditional): 揭穿 - 證明...不實Hindi: झूठा साबित करनाArabic: يدحض - يثبت عدم صحةBengali: মিথ্যা প্রমাণ করাRussian: опровергать - разоблачать ложьJapanese: 虚偽であることを示すVietnamese: vạch trần sự giả dốiKorean: 거짓임을 증명하다Turkish: yalan olduğunu ortaya çıkarmakUrdu: جھوٹا ثابت کرناIndonesian: membuktikan kebohongan
Example Sentences
The facts give the lie to his statement.
basic
Her smile gave the lie to her words of anger.
basic
The evidence gives the lie to the rumors.
basic
His calm reaction gave the lie to the story that he was furious.
natural
The sunny weather gave the lie to the forecast of rain.
natural
The empty streets gave the lie to claims that the city was lively at night.
natural