Feed a line Meaning in English
expression
ˈfid/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈɫaɪn
FEED-uh-LINE
fˈiːd/ /æɪ/ /lˈaɪn
FEED-uh-LINE
Definition
To tell someone something that is not true, usually as an excuse or to trick them; to say something false to get someone to believe you.
Usage & Nuances
Informal, conversational expression. Often used with 'feed someone a line.' Implies the person knows you might be exaggerating or not truthful. Can be playful or negative depending on context. Not commonly used in formal writing.
Spanish: decir una mentira - contar un cuentoPortuguese (BR): contar uma mentira - enganar uma pessoaPortuguese (PT): contar uma mentira - enganar alguémChinese (Simplified): 编造借口 - 撒谎Chinese (Traditional): 編造藉口 - 說謊Hindi: झूठी बात बोलना - बहाना बनानाArabic: إعطاء حجة كاذبة - خداعBengali: মিথ্যা বলা - বানানো অজুহাত দেওয়াRussian: навешивать лапшу на уши - рассказывать сказкиJapanese: でまかせを言う - 嘘をつくVietnamese: nói dối - viện cớKorean: 거짓말을 하다 - 핑계를 대다Turkish: yalan söylemek - masal anlatmakUrdu: جھوٹ بولنا - بہانہ بناناIndonesian: mengarang alasan - berkata bohong
Example Sentences
Don't feed me a line about why you're late.
basic
I know you're just feeding me a line.
basic
He tried to feed her a line, but she didn't believe him.
basic
Stop feeding me lines—just tell me the truth.
natural
Whenever he's in trouble, he tries to feed his boss a line.
natural
She could tell he was feeding her a line to get out of helping.
natural