stop fibbing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stop fibbing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to tell someone to stop lying or being dishonest, often in a light-hearted or informal context. Example: "I know you didn't really see a UFO last night, so stop fibbing and just tell me what really happened."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Stop fibbing.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

It's time U.S. and NATO officials stopped fibbing to themselves and then believing their own quotes.

The New York Times

On the other hand, the problem with this, is if you get associated with fibbing or spreading fake news, people will stop believing you when you are telling the truth," Pitt told VICE.

Vice

Since July 2006 the UN Security Council has passed three binding resolutions ordering Iran to stop enriching uranium until it shows that, in spite of a history of fibbing, its nuclear intentions are peaceful.

The Economist

They're not fibbing.

The New York Times

They're fibbing, though.

The New Yorker

"But I'd fibbing.

The Guardian - Sport

She's not fibbing.

The Guardian - Travel

Technically, I was fibbing.

The New York Times

Except, of course, that he was fibbing.

The Economist

Most MPs: We think you're fibbing.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stop fibbing" in informal contexts where you want to lightly correct someone's exaggeration or minor dishonesty. It's less harsh than accusing someone of lying.

Common error

Avoid using "stop fibbing" in professional or formal communications. The phrase is too casual and can be perceived as disrespectful. Opt for more formal alternatives like "please provide accurate information" or "refrain from misrepresenting the facts".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stop fibbing" functions as an imperative, directly instructing someone to cease the act of telling untruths. Ludwig confirms that this is a correct and usable phrase in English, employed to discourage dishonesty, often in a light-hearted way.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stop fibbing" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to tell someone to stop exaggerating or telling minor untruths. Ludwig confirms its appropriateness in written English. It's best suited for informal contexts, such as casual conversations with friends or family. While effective for light-hearted correction, it's not suitable for formal or professional settings. Consider alternatives like "stop lying" or "be honest" when a more direct or formal approach is needed. The phrase's communicative purpose centers around encouraging truthfulness and challenging potentially misleading statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stop lying

Replaces "fibbing" with the more direct term "lying", indicating a more serious form of dishonesty.

quit exaggerating

Focuses on the act of overstating or embellishing the truth, a common form of "fibbing".

stop stretching the truth

Highlights the act of bending or distorting the truth, rather than outright lying.

cease the deception

A more formal way to ask someone to stop being deceitful.

be honest

A simple and direct request for truthfulness, implying that the person has not been honest so far.

tell the truth

A straightforward command to speak truthfully, contrasting with the current act of "fibbing".

stop telling tall tales

Emphasizes the exaggerated and often unbelievable nature of the stories being told.

stop misleading people

Shifts the focus to the effect of the "fibbing" on others, highlighting the act of leading them astray.

discontinue the prevarication

A very formal and less common way to say "stop fibbing", using the word "prevarication".

cut the crap

An informal and somewhat vulgar way to tell someone to stop being dishonest or evasive.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "stop fibbing"?

The phrase "stop fibbing" is best used in informal settings with people you know well. It's a gentle way to call someone out on a minor exaggeration or untruth.

What's the difference between "stop fibbing" and "stop lying"?

"Stop fibbing" implies a less serious form of dishonesty than "stop lying". "Stop lying" suggests a deliberate and significant untruth, while "stop fibbing" suggests a minor exaggeration or white lie.

What are some alternatives to "stop fibbing"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "quit exaggerating", "be honest", or "tell the truth". The best choice depends on the specific situation and the level of formality required.

How can I use "stop fibbing" in a sentence?

You can use "stop fibbing" like this: "I know you didn't really win the lottery, so stop fibbing and tell me what happened."