malicious lie

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "malicious lie" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a false statement made with the intent to harm or deceive someone. Example: "The rumors circulating about her were nothing more than a malicious lie intended to tarnish her reputation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"This is a malicious lie.

The New York Times

Anyway, its very existence is a malicious lie: the fossil is a cast.

Independent

Mr Menary added: "For whatever reason you have made up what is a malicious lie about him".

Independent

On Tuesday, Chief Justice Corona testified that the evidence regarding his foreign currency bank accounts had been "a malicious lie" that was obtained illegally and not authenticated.

The New York Times

The dancer who claims a former Coronation Street actor sexually abused him when he was a schoolboy broke down in tears in court today after he was accused of making up a "malicious lie".

Independent

Drudge had posted a malicious lie that Blumenthal had "a spousal abuse past that has been effectively covered up," replete with "court records of Blumenthal's violence against his wife".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"I will attempt to prove this through misquotes, malicious lies, and just plumb crazy talk".

The New Yorker

The complaint states: "The film promotes vicious and malicious lies about McKinney.

The Guardian - Film

The Palestinian media do their bidding, inflaming the passions of would-be bombers and spreading malicious lies to demonize Israel.

The New York Times

Surveillance was stepped up, our homes and offices were searched, and a barrage of press attacks based on malicious lies sought to discredit us and our movement.

The New York Times

In Much Ado About Nothing, Hero and Claudio are broken apart by malicious lies while Beatrice and Benedick are brought together by benign deceit.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "malicious lie", ensure the context clearly demonstrates the intent to harm or deceive. Provide specific examples or evidence to support the claim that the statement is both false and malicious.

Common error

Avoid labeling a statement as a "malicious lie" simply because you disagree with it. Ensure you have solid evidence to prove its falsity and the malicious intent behind it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "malicious lie" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "malicious" modifies the noun "lie". According to Ludwig, it is used to describe a false statement made with the intent to harm or deceive someone.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Science

9%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "malicious lie" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that signifies a falsehood intended to cause harm. Ludwig AI indicates that it is often employed in the news and media to describe statements that are both untrue and deliberately damaging. While "lie" itself implies untruth, adding "malicious" underscores the harmful intent behind the statement. Although "malicious lie" is somewhat redundant, it is deemed acceptable due to its emphasis on malicious intent, which justifies its use when you need to amplify the severity of the falsehood. When using the phrase, ensure the context provides sufficient evidence to support the claim of both falsity and malicious intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harmful untruth

Emphasizes the damaging effect of the untrue statement.

deliberate falsehood

Focuses on the intentional nature of the false statement; less emphasis on the harm.

defamatory falsehood

Focuses on the damage to reputation caused by the untrue statement.

spiteful fabrication

Highlights the vindictive motivation behind the creation of the false statement.

false accusation

Specifically implies an untrue statement that accuses someone of wrongdoing.

venomous falsehood

Suggests a highly toxic and damaging false statement.

slanderous untruth

Highlights the spoken nature of the false and damaging statement.

wicked deception

Emphasizes the immoral and evil nature of the act of misleading.

mendacious calumny

A more formal and intense way to describe a false and defamatory statement.

fraudulent misrepresentation

Highlights the deceptive intent to gain an advantage, often in a legal or business context.

FAQs

What does "malicious lie" mean?

A "malicious lie" is a false statement made with the intention of harming someone or something. It implies both untruthfulness and a harmful motive.

What can I say instead of "malicious lie"?

You can use alternatives like "deliberate falsehood", "harmful untruth", or "spiteful fabrication" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between a "lie" and a "malicious lie"?

A "lie" is simply an untrue statement. A "malicious lie" is a lie that is told with the specific intent to cause harm or damage. The addition of "malicious" emphasizes the harmful motive behind the falsehood.

Is "malicious lie" a redundant phrase?

While all lies involve some level of deception, "malicious lie" is not necessarily redundant. It specifically emphasizes the intent to cause harm, which is not always present in a simple lie. The addition of "malicious" amplifies the severity of the falsehood.