His actions give the lie to his claims of honesty.
give the lie
idiomTo respond to an insult, accusation, or falsehood by saying the offender is lying, particularly in the context of provoking a challenge to a duel.
Origin
disputed originFrom give + the + lie, where lie is used in an obsolete sense to mean a claim that someone is lying.
The discovery of the hidden documents served to give the lie to the manager's public statement about the company's finances.
The sudden appearance of the witness at the trial served to give the lie to the defendant’s elaborate alibi, effectively dismantling his entire defense in front of the jury.
- 01
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.
- 02
give a damn
To be concerned about, have an interest in, to care (about something).
- 03
give a fuck
To care; to give a shit.
- 04
give a good account of oneself
To act in a creditable manner.
- 05
give a hang
give a hoot; give a damn (to care about; to place value on something)
- 06
give a hoot
To care about; to place value on something.
- 07
give a light
To care.
- 08
give a monkey's
To care; to have an interest or concern.