a bold lie

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bold lie" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lie that is audacious or shameless in nature. Example: "He told a bold lie about his qualifications, claiming to have a degree he never earned."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

A bold lie.

The New Yorker

"The added register of that character having to hide his true identity under a bold lie — so as to fool a girl — defined not only the genre, but its readers as well," he writes.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Paying for $200 billion in infrastructure by cutting $200 billion in infrastructure spending, fumed Moser, is "a bolder lie, a bolder sleight of hand, and a bolder bunch of BS than I would have ever imagined even from" Trump.

Vice

I'd prefer a bolder lie from Sporting Life here (why doesn't he just tell Bess that it's over and that the cops are going to lock Porgy away for good, rather than just hinting that her man might never come back?).

Huffington Post

It's like a bold face lie," the rapper said to associate editor Insanul Ahmed.

Los Angeles Times

Then Pujol went to London and sold the British on the same caper, partially by telling them a bold-faced lie that lay undiscovered for many years.

Huffington Post

Laughing at @SenShelby 's bold lie regarding @jeffsessions record of treating every American equally.

Huffington Post

The free media are the last and likely the best protector of democracy - which is why Trump persists in the bold lie that it is dishonest and that he is truthful. .

Huffington Post

It is a bold-faced lie.

The New York Times

The 60-year-old defendant, sounding confident as a self-advocate, accused Mr. Morford of "a bold-faced lie".

The New York Times

Of course, to call the United States' mobile networks "advanced" would be a bold-faced lie.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a bold lie" to describe situations where the falsehood is not only untrue but also audacious or shameless in its delivery. The phrase adds emphasis to the deceptive act.

Common error

Avoid using "a bold lie" simply to mean an exaggerated statement. The phrase implies a deliberate and audacious attempt to deceive, not just an overstatement of facts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bold lie" functions as a noun phrase that describes a specific type of falsehood. It typically serves as the object of a verb, as demonstrated in the Ludwig examples, such as 'telling a bold-faced lie' or 'laughed at a bold lie'. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bold lie" is a phrase used to describe a falsehood characterized by audacity and a lack of shame. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of the phrase. While relatively rare in occurrence, "a bold lie" appears predominantly in news and media contexts. When writing, remember that a bold lie is not simply an exaggeration but a deliberate attempt to deceive. Consider using alternatives like "a blatant falsehood" or "an audacious deception" to refine your message. The most authoritative sources for its usage include The New York Times and The New Yorker, demonstrating its credibility in quality media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a blatant falsehood

Emphasizes the obvious and unconcealed nature of the lie.

an audacious deception

Highlights the daring and shocking quality of the deceit.

a barefaced prevarication

Stresses the shamelessness and lack of disguise in the lie.

a flagrant untruth

Focuses on the scandalous and evident nature of the untrue statement.

an outright fabrication

Emphasizes that the lie is completely invented and without basis.

a sheer invention

Highlights that the lie is purely a product of imagination and not based on reality.

a wholesale falsehood

Stresses the extent and completeness of the lie, encompassing everything.

a complete fabrication

Underscores that the lie is entirely made up and has no element of truth.

a deliberate untruth

Highlights that the lie was told intentionally and with full awareness.

an egregious misrepresentation

Focuses on the shocking and conspicuously bad nature of the false portrayal.

FAQs

How can I use "a bold lie" in a sentence?

You can use "a bold lie" to describe a statement that is not only untrue but also audacious and shameless. For example, "He told "a bold lie" about his past to impress the interviewers."

What are some alternatives to "a bold lie"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a blatant falsehood", "an audacious deception", or "a barefaced prevarication", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "a bold-faced lie" the same as "a bold lie"?

While similar, "a bold-faced lie" emphasizes the brazen and impudent nature of the lie, while "a bold lie" focuses more on the audacious and daring aspect of the deception.

What makes a lie "bold"?

A lie is considered "bold" when it is audacious, daring, and often delivered without hesitation or shame. It typically involves a significant deviation from the truth and is intended to deceive in a conspicuous manner.