# give lip

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/give-lip
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To speak to someone rudely or without respect.

## Examples

- Don't give me any lip while I am talking to you.
- The teenager got into trouble at school for giving lip to his teacher during the lesson.
- The manager warned the employee that he would be fired immediately if he continued to give lip to the customers.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.