# lie with

CEFR B2 · Prepositional phrase

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lie-with
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to be dishonest or not truthful about something — often used when hiding the full truth.

For teachers: to be untruthful or deceptive in relation to a subject or matter; typically used in contexts involving moral or ethical misrepresentation.

## Examples

- He lied with the facts to avoid getting in trouble.
- The witness lied with the evidence during the trial, making the case much harder to prove.
- In his testimony, the politician lied with the truth to avoid admitting guilt, a tactic that backfired spectacularly.

## Pitfalls

- Not "She lied with the truth." but "She lied about the truth." — 'lie with' is less common and can be confusing; 'lie about' is the standard form for this meaning.

## Usage notes

- followed by a noun indicating the subject or matter being misrepresented.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'lie about' (more common) and 'fabricate' (to make up details); 'lie with' is less frequent and may confuse learners expecting 'lie about' as the standard form.

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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.