flagrant liar

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flagrant liar" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is extremely obvious and shameless in their lies. Example: The politician was a flagrant liar, making false promises to win votes and then denying any wrongdoing when caught in a scandal.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Solomon, the more morally culpable of the two, is a flagrant liar whose courtship of Gaenor involves adopting a non-Jewish pseudonym, Sam Livingstone, and making up a nonexistent Gentile family.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Liar liar.

The New Yorker

No flagrant.

The New York Times - Sports

Liar! Tattletale!

The New York Times

You liar.

The New York Times

Ali Abdullah Saleh is a liar, liar, liar.

The Guardian

Liar liar pants on fire.

The New York Times

There were flagrant fouls, yes!

The New Yorker

Hirst Liar.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Sexy liar.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"He is a liar liar..

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flagrant liar" to describe someone whose lies are not only untrue but also brazen and obvious, often without any attempt at concealment. This suggests a disregard for the truth and a willingness to deceive openly.

Common error

While "flagrant liar" is descriptive, avoid using it repeatedly in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "barefaced liar" or "blatant deceiver" to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flagrant liar" functions as a descriptor, specifically an adjectival phrase modifying the noun "liar". It serves to emphasize the egregious nature of the person's dishonesty. As Ludwig AI notes, it describes someone extremely obvious and shameless in their lies.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "flagrant liar" is a descriptor used to condemn someone's dishonesty strongly. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes someone who lies blatantly and shamelessly. Grammatically correct, it functions as an adjectival phrase, emphasizing the egregious nature of the person's deceit. Its primary use is in news and media contexts, with a neutral to formal register. While there are not many examples of its usage, it effectively conveys disapproval and moral judgment regarding the person's lack of integrity. Alternatives such as "barefaced liar" or "blatant deceiver" can be used for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

barefaced liar

Emphasizes the boldness and lack of shame in the person's lies.

arrant liar

Indicates a complete and unmitigated liar.

unmitigated liar

Indicates a complete and unexcused liar.

blatant deceiver

Focuses on the act of deception being obvious and unconcealed.

egregious liar

Highlights the shocking nature of the lying.

outright falsifier

Highlights the direct and unambiguous nature of the falsehoods.

habitual liar

Focuses on lying as a repeated behaviour or pattern.

shameless prevaricator

Combines the lack of shame with the act of avoiding the truth.

brazen fibber

Stresses the boldness and audacity in telling lies.

consummate storyteller (in a negative sense)

Highlights that someone is very skilled in telling lies.

FAQs

What does "flagrant" mean in "flagrant liar"?

In the phrase "flagrant liar", "flagrant" means conspicuously or obviously offensive. It emphasizes that the person's lying is blatant, shocking, and done without any attempt at concealment. It suggests a brazen disregard for the truth.

What are some synonyms for "flagrant liar"?

Some synonyms for "flagrant liar" include "barefaced liar", "blatant deceiver", "outright falsifier", or "shameless prevaricator". These alternatives also describe someone who lies openly and without shame.

How can I use "flagrant liar" in a sentence?

You can use "flagrant liar" in a sentence like this: "The politician was exposed as a "flagrant liar" after the investigation revealed his extensive history of making false statements."

Is it redundant to say "flagrant liar"?

While "flagrant" can imply deception, the term "flagrant liar" emphasizes the blatant and obvious nature of the lying. The adjective reinforces the boldness and lack of shame associated with the person's deceit, making it a strong and clear expression.