🗣️ Put Words into Someone’s Mouth, To
put words into someone’s mouth, to – To tell or strongly suggest what someone should say. This term is found as far back as the Old Testament: “So Joab put the words in her mouth” (2 Samuel 14:3). It’s often used in situations where someone attributes statements or opinions to another that they did not actually express.
Similar Terms:
- Speak for someone: To express someone’s thoughts or feelings without their explicit permission or direct communication.
- Mouthpiece: Someone who speaks in place of another, especially in representing another’s opinions.
- Ventriloquism: The art of making someone speak.
Synonyms:
- Paraphrase: Restate speech or writing in a different way, often with the same meaning.
- Attribute words to: Assign specific words or thoughts to someone, not necessarily their own.
Antonyms:
- Speak one’s own mind: Voice one’s own thoughts and feelings plainly.
- Give credit (for words): Acknowledge who actually said something.
Quotes and Proverbs:
- “Don’t put words in my mouth, I’m perfectly capable of shoving my foot in there all by myself.” - Anonymous
- “If you haven’t got anything nice to say about anybody, come sit next to me.” - Alice Roosevelt Longworth (Remember, folks, just report, don’t distort!)
- “Actions speak louder than words, except when someone stuffs words into your mouth.” - Proverb (revised for fun!)
Literature and Pop Culture References:
- Books: “The Power of Words” by Tony Hooper, which reflects on how language molds our lives.
- Songs: “Wordplay” by Jason Mraz – a playful exploration of words.
- Movies: “Liar Liar” (1997) – where truth-telling takes a comedic turn.
Thought-Provoking Farewell:
🎭 Words wield power, pin one’s own to innocence while uncovering manipulation in dialogue. Express truth, share authentically, and let your tongue only drift into territory navigated by sincerity. 🗣️
### Which phrase means to suggest or tell someone what to say?
- [ ] Feeding a bird's song
- [x] Putting words into someone’s mouth
- [ ] Writing in someone’s diary
- [ ] Singing someone else's tune
> **Explanation:** The phrase "putting words into someone’s mouth" means you’re suggesting or telling someone else what they should say.
### True or False: The term "putting words into someone's mouth" originates from the New Testament.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** This term is attributed to the Old Testament: “So Joab put the words in her mouth” (2 Samuel 14:3).
### Which one of these is NOT a synonym for "putting words into someone’s mouth"?
- [ ] Speak for someone
- [ ] Mouthpiece
- [ ] Paraphrase
- [x] Speak one's own mind
> **Explanation:** "Speak one's own mind" means expressing one's personal thoughts or opinions directly, which is not synonymous with the idiom.
### Which proverb is revised for fun in this piece?
- [ ] All's well that ends well.
- [ ] Better late than never.
- [x] Actions speak louder than words.
- [ ] Every cloud has a silver lining.
> **Explanation:** The proverb "Actions speak louder than words" was humorously revised to “Actions speak louder than words, except when someone stuffs words into your mouth.”
