Suspicious Similes and Fictitious Fabrications
a pack of lies 🐺💬
Definition: An elaborate fabrication, consisting of numerous falsehoods tightly woven together, designed to deceive.
Origin: This phrase uses “pack” to represent a large collection of abstract objects, and has carried a dismissive connotation since Shakespeare’s time. Thomas Jefferson himself invoked this expression in a 1763 letter: “Would you rather that I should write you a pack of lies?”
Related Terms:
- A tissue of lies: Uses “tissue” metaphorically to signify a delicate and intricate mesh of falsehoods.
- Full of baloney: An informal way of saying something is completely untrue.
- A web of deceit: Implies a complex and carefully constructed series of lies.
- Tall tales: Overly exaggerated or implausible stories.
- Smoke and mirrors: Something designed to deceive or mislead, similar to magic tricks.
Synonyms: Deception, falsehood, dishonesty, fabrication.
Antonyms: Truth, honesty, integrity, fact.
Humorous Quotes:
- “A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on.” —Unknown.
- “The great enemy of clear language is insincerity. When there is a gap between one’s real and one’s declared aims, one turns as it were instinctively to long words and exhausted idioms, like a cuttlefish spurting out ink.” —George Orwell
Proverbs:
- “A lie has no legs.” Meaning it cannot stand on its own because it is not true.
- “The tongue that belongs to a liar may find its silence forever.” Meaning a liar will eventually be caught and silenced.
Literature & Media:
- Books: “The Liar’s Club” by Mary Karr, “Big Little Lies” by Liane Moriarty.
- Movies: “Liar Liar” starring Jim Carrey, “The Usual Suspects” directed by Bryan Singer.
- Songs: “Little Lies” by Fleetwood Mac, “Beautiful Liar” by Beyoncé and Shakira.
- Poetry: “Tell all the truth but tell it slant” by Emily Dickinson discusses the nature of truth and lies.
Inspirational Farewell: Remember, the truths we weave form the fabric of our character. Stay genuine, and in the tapestry of life, your integrity will shine like gold thread.
### Which of these phrases is synonymous with 'a pack of lies'?
- [x] A tissue of lies
- [ ] A basket of dreams
- [ ] A bouquet of truths
- [ ] A cloud of mist
> **Explanation:** "A tissue of lies" is closely related, referring to an intertwined network or mesh of falsehoods.
### Identify the real idiom:
- [ ] A hurricane of baloney
- [x] A web of deceit
- [ ] A river of tomfoolery
- [ ] A mountain of mischief
> **Explanation:** "A web of deceit" is a genuine idiom, illustrating the complexity and intricacy of crafted lies.
### True or False: "Smoke and mirrors" suggests deceit.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True! "Smoke and mirrors" connotes trickery and deceit, much like a magician's act designed to mislead.
### Choose the correct pair:
- [ ] Real truth : Tissue of dreams
- [ ] Honest man : Pack of clouds
- [ ] Genuine story : Web of intrigues
- [x] Elaborate fabrication : Pack of lies
> **Explanation:** The phrase "pack of lies" accurately denotes an elaborate fabrication, woven to deceive.
### Which phrase describes an intricate mesh of falsehoods?
- [ ] A stitch in time
- [x] A tissue of lies
- [ ] An ocean of words
- [ ] A garden of tales
> **Explanation:** "A tissue of lies" metaphorically suggests an intricate mesh or fabric of falsehoods, similar to a pack of lies.
### True or False: "Full of baloney" is a term for elaborate truth.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** "Full of baloney" is an informal term meaning completely untrue, quite the opposite of truth.
