ENGLISH
REFERENCE

bend the truth

idiom
Meaning

To change or leave out certain facts of a story or situation, generally in order to elicit a specific response in the audience.


Examples
SIMPLE

He likes to bend the truth to make his stories sound better.

CONTEXTUAL

The salesman decided to bend the truth about the car's age just to make sure he closed the deal today.

COMPLEX

While the politician did not outright lie, he was known to bend the truth when discussing the economic impact of his new policy.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    bend one's elbow

    To drink alcoholic beverages, especially at a public house or bar.

  2. 02

    bend over backwards

    To make a great effort; to take extraordinary care; to go to great lengths.

  3. 03

    bend someone's ear

    To bore; to talk too long, especially to one particular person.

  4. 04

    bend someone's will

    To persuade or otherwise induce someone to change his or her views or to choose a different course of action.

  5. 05

    bend the brain

    To be difficult to comprehend.

  6. 06

    bend the knee

    To swear fealty or allegiance to another person.

  7. 07

    bend to one's will

    To compel someone or something to conform to one's desires.

  8. 08

    bend to someone's will

    To yield to persuasion or other pressure originating from someone.

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