To Lie Like a Trooper: Bend the Truth with a Flourish 🤥
Definition: To prevaricate outrageously. Versions of this seemingly modern expression appeared as long ago as the fourteenth century.
Historical Context: William Safire cites its use in The Romance of Sir Guy of Warwick (“Thou lexst amidward thi teth”), as well as in a still earlier Northumbrian poem. Shakespeare, however, preferred the throat to the teeth, using it in Twelfth Night (Act 3, Scene 4) and Hamlet (Act 2, Scene 2).
Modern Usage: Of more recent provenance is “to lie like a trooper,” dating from the late 1800s. While the British version is “to swear like a trooper,” the exact origin is a matter of conjecture. It likely alludes to the alleged lack of truthfulness in the military’s lower ranks, who might lie to avoid punishment. Originally, “like a trooper” meant vigorously or with great enthusiasm, which was then carried over to lying.
Similar Terms:
- Tall Tales 🐴
- Fib 🎋
- Stretch the Truth 🌈
- Falsify 📜
- Bend the Facts 🔄
- Pull the Wool Over Someone’s Eyes 🐑
Synonyms:
- Fabricate
- Deceive
- Mislead
Antonyms:
- Tell the truth
- Be honest
- Come clean
Humor-Filled Quotes:
- “The elegance of honesty needs no adornment.” – Merry Browne
- “I never lie because I don’t fear anyone. You only lie when you’re afraid.” – John Gotti
Proverbs:
- “A half-truth is the worst of all lies.”
- “Truth will out.”
Suggested Literature & Media:
- Books: Lying by Sam Harris
- Movies: Liar Liar starring Jim Carrey
- Poetry: The Lying King by David Appleu
- Songs: “Little Lies” by Fleetwood Mac
Thought-provoking Farewell: When all is said and done, remember: the moment of a lie is fleeting, but its impact can last forever. Embrace honesty as a path to inspiration and enlightenment.
Happy exploring! P. L. Penname, October 2023
And, there we have it! Happy reading.
