wicked lie

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wicked lie" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a particularly deceitful or malicious falsehood, often in a dramatic or emphatic context. Example: "The politician's wicked lie about his opponent's character shocked everyone and damaged his credibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

That is a wicked lie of the foreign press".

The New Yorker

And she tells a wicked lie that is to change everything.

The Guardian - Film

But then it's a wicked lie that "the past is always tense and the future, perfect", ponders Archie.

The Guardian - Books

And there is something too pat (and too punning) in the conclusion that we should not perpetuate 'the myth, the wicked lie, that the past is always tense and the future, perfect'".

The Guardian - Books

It's a wicked lie.

Forbes

It is a wicked lie.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

But the Stewart and Libby prosecutions are hardly typical examples of good prosecutors triumphing over wicked, lying defendants, as the author suggests.

The New York Times - Books

Nowadays, we tend to regard it as rather quaint that men and women once pursued and fled from each other, fenced and parried, told wicked lies and promised marriage, rather than talked to each other and explained their desires and intentions out in the open.

Independent

"Your wicked lies included deceiving former soldiers - men who had truly served their country and had truly known the horrors of war.

BBC

The aspects of the climate problem that make it "beyond super wicked" mostly lie outside the realm of science.

The New York Times

Within these wicked problems may lie a company's most compelling and profitable driver: A global purpose to save the world.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wicked lie" to emphasize the malicious and harmful intent behind a falsehood, reserving it for situations where the deceit is particularly egregious.

Common error

Avoid using "wicked lie" in everyday conversation or informal writing. Its strong connotation of malice makes it unsuitable for trivial exaggerations or minor untruths.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wicked lie" primarily functions as a noun phrase modifier, where the adjective "wicked" intensifies the negative connotation of the noun "lie". As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid and can be used in English writing to describe a malicious falsehood.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wicked lie" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a particularly malicious and harmful falsehood. As Ludwig AI validates, its primary function is to express strong disapproval, and it's most commonly found in News & Media contexts. While not exceptionally common, its usage is appropriate when emphasizing the severity and intent behind the deception. When considering the alternatives, such as "malicious falsehood" or "deliberate deception", consider the specific nuance you wish to convey. Avoid using it in casual contexts, as its strong connotation is best reserved for situations where the deceit is truly egregious.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

malicious falsehood

Replaces "wicked" with "malicious" and "lie" with "falsehood", maintaining the negative connotation but with a slightly more formal tone.

deliberate deception

Focuses on the intentionality of the lie, using "deception" as a broader term for misleading actions.

outright fabrication

Emphasizes that the lie is completely made up, using "fabrication" to highlight the artificial nature of the untruth.

calculated untruth

Highlights the planning and forethought behind the lie, using "untruth" as a softer alternative to "lie".

pernicious falsehood

Uses "pernicious" to emphasize the damaging effect of the lie, adding a layer of severity.

devious untruth

Focuses on the deceitful and underhanded nature of the lie, suggesting a cunning intent.

flagrant lie

Highlights the obvious and shameless nature of the lie, suggesting it's done without concern for consequences.

egregious misrepresentation

Emphasizes the extreme and shocking nature of the lie, using a more formal and critical tone.

barefaced lie

Indicates that the lie is told openly and boldly, without any attempt to conceal it.

unconscionable falsehood

Highlights the moral wrongness of the lie, suggesting it violates ethical principles.

FAQs

What does "wicked lie" mean?

A "wicked lie" is a particularly malicious and harmful falsehood, often suggesting a deliberate intent to deceive and cause harm. It implies a higher degree of moral reprehensibility than a simple lie.

What are some synonyms for "wicked lie"?

Synonyms for "wicked lie" include "malicious falsehood", "deliberate deception", and "pernicious falsehood". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "wicked lie"?

The phrase "wicked lie" is appropriate when describing a falsehood that is not only untrue but also intended to cause significant harm or damage, whether emotional, reputational, or otherwise. It is most effective in formal writing or dramatic contexts where strong language is warranted.

Is "wicked lie" a common expression?

While grammatically sound, "wicked lie" isn't an exceptionally common expression. It is used to emphasize the severity and maliciousness of the lie and you might see it frequently in formal writing, news or media.