ENGLISH
REFERENCE

give lip

idiom
Meaning

To speak to someone rudely or without respect.


Examples
SIMPLE

Don't give me any lip while I am talking to you.

CONTEXTUAL

The teenager got into trouble at school for giving lip to his teacher during the lesson.

COMPLEX

The manager warned the employee that he would be fired immediately if he continued to give lip to the customers.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    bite one's lip

    To forcibly prevent oneself from speaking, especially in order to avoid saying something inappropriate or likely to cause a dispute.

  2. 02

    button one's lip

    To remain silent, especially in order to keep a secret or to avoid saying something inappropriate.

  3. 03

    don't give up your day job

    Somewhat sarcastic but usually good-natured advice used to criticise a person's degree of talent (especially in music or other performing arts), implying that they are unlikely to be successful.

  4. 04

    fat lip

    A swelling on the lip, especially one resulting from a punch or other blow.

  5. 05

    give a damn

    To be concerned about, have an interest in, to care (about something).

  6. 06

    give a fuck

    To care; to give a shit.

  7. 07

    give a good account of oneself

    To act in a creditable manner.

  8. 08

    give a hang

    give a hoot; give a damn (to care about; to place value on something)

© 2026 English Reference