IdiomBody & Senses
English
Englishlie through one's teeth
Meaning: To lie openly and shamelessly.
Example: “He was lying through his teeth when he said the car had never been in an accident.”
Origin: The liar speaks straight through a smile of clenched teeth. The phrase is found from the early 20th century; its first use has not been traced.
Equivalents in other languages
French: Mentir comme un arracheur de dents Literally: To lie like a tooth-puller
More English idioms
- slow on the uptake Slow to understand.
- kiss something goodbye To accept that one has lost something or will never get it.
- set one's sights on To decide to try to get or achieve something.
- God forbid Used to say that one hopes something bad will not happen.
- kill them all and let God sort them out A grim or joking call to act ruthlessly without distinguishing innocent from guilty.
- a little bird told me I learned it from a secret source I won't name.
Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults
Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.
- Você é um amor You're a sweetheart — warm, caring, and impossible not to like.
- Você tem muita garra You have fierce, relentless determination — you claw your way through any obstacle.
- Ты умница (ty umnitsa) You're bright, clever, and admirable — said warmly of someone who handles things well.
Keep exploring