The idiom "lie like a rug" means to talk dishonestly or without feeling bad about it. It refers to someone who isn't truthful and can't be trusted.

In short:

• To "like like a rug" means to lie constantly or shamelessly.

What Does "Lie Like a Rug" Mean?

The idiom "lie like a rug" describes someone who tells lies frequently or without remorse. It implies that the person is dishonest, untrustworthy, or deceitful. The idiom is often used to express disbelief, anger, or contempt for someone who is lying.

Where Does "Lie Like a Rug" Come From?

The exact origin of the idiom "lie like a rug" is unclear. However, it dates back to at least the early 20th century. It is based on a pun on the word "lie," which has two meanings: to tell an untruth or to recline or rest on a surface. A rug is a type of floor covering that lies flat on the ground. Therefore, someone who lies like a rug lies as quickly or as often as a rug on the floor.

10 Examples of "Lie Like a Rug" in Sentences

Here are some examples of how this idiom can be used in different sentences:

• Real talk: He will always lie like a rug to save face.
• I can't trust him; he'll lie like a rug to avoid trouble.
• Don't be fooled. She can lie like a rug when it suits her.
• She has a knack for lying like a rug in tricky situations.
• You caught him red-handed, and he still tried to lie like a rug.
• He kept lying like a rug to maintain his story despite the facts.
• I've seen him lie like a rug countless times to protect his image.
• You can't believe his words; he'll lie like a rug if it benefits him.
• When confronted with the evidence, he continued to lie like a rug.
• She's so skilled at lying like a rug that you often can't tell fact from fiction.

Examples of "Lie Like a Rug" in Pop Culture

Here are some examples of how this idiom has been used in various forms of pop culture:

• "Lie Like a Rug" by Kix is a hard rock song from their third studio album, Midnite Dynamite, released in 1985. The song is about a woman who lies and cheats on her lover and how he feels betrayed and angry by her deception.
• The episode "Lies Like a Rug" from the NYPD Blue series is the first episode of its ninth season, aired on November 6, 2001. The episode follows the investigation of the murders of four teenage girls by the 15th squad, who also discover the shocking truth about the disappearance of detective Danny Sorenson.
• "Lie Like a Rug" is a book by Donna Huston Murray, a writer of cozy mysteries. It is the seventh book in the Ginger Barnes Mystery series. The book follows Ginger Barnes as she tries to prove the innocence of her childhood babysitter, Charlie Finnemeyer, who is accused of fraudulently aging an Oriental rug.

Synonyms: Other/Different Ways to Say "Lie Like a Rug"

Here are some synonyms and alternative ways to say this idiom:

• Tell fibs
• Tell tall tales
• Bend the truth
• Stretch the truth
• Fabricate stories
• Be full of baloney
• Pull someone's leg
• Be a barefaced liar
• Be a pathological liar
• Be economical with the truth

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Lie Like a Rug"

Here are some common questions and answers about this idiom:

• What does "lie like a rug" mean?

The idiom "lie like a rug" means to talk dishonestly or without feeling bad about it. It refers to someone who isn't truthful and can't be trusted.

• What is the origin of the phrase "lie like a rug"?

The exact origin of the idiom "lie like a rug" is unclear. However, it dates back to at least the early 20th century. It is based on a pun on the word "lie," which has two meanings: to tell an untruth or to recline or rest on a surface. A rug is a type of floor covering that lies flat on the ground. Therefore, someone who lies like a rug lies as quickly or as often as a rug on the floor.

• What is the difference between "lie like a rug" and "lie on a rug"?

To "lie like a rug" means to lie constantly or shamelessly, while to "lie on a rug" means to recline or rest on a rug. The former is an idiom, while the latter is a literal statement.

• Is the phrase "lie like a rug" an insult or a compliment?

To "lie like a rug" is an insult, not a compliment. It implies that the person is dishonest, untrustworthy, or deceitful. It is not a polite or respectful way to describe someone.

• Can "lie like a rug" be used in formal writing or speeches?

It is generally best to avoid idiomatic expressions like this in formal writing or speeches, as they may come across as informal or colloquial.

• What's the difference between "lie like a rug" and "lie through one's teeth"?

Both idioms refer to telling lies, but "lie like a rug" emphasizes the convincing nature of the lie, while "lie through one's teeth" focuses on the act of lying openly and blatantly.

• Is there an equivalent idiom in other languages?

Different languages have their own idiomatic expressions for telling convincing lies, but there may not be a direct equivalent for "lie like a rug" in every language.

• How can one detect if someone is "lying like a rug"?

Detecting lies can be challenging, but common signs include inconsistencies in their story, avoiding eye contact, fidgeting, and changes in voice tone. However, these signs are not foolproof.

• Is it always negative to "lie like a rug"?

In most cases, yes. "lie like a rug" implies deceit and dishonesty, which are generally negative actions. However, there might be rare situations where a convincing lie is used for a good purpose, like a surprise party.

• Can you use "lie like a rug" in the past tense?

Yes, "lie like a rug" can be used in the past tense. For example, "He lied like a rug when he explained his absence at the meeting yesterday."

Final Thoughts About "Lie Like a Rug"

To "lie like a rug" is an idiom that means to lie constantly or shamelessly. It is based on a pun on the word "lie," which can mean telling an untruth and reclining or resting on a surface. The idiom dates back to the early 20th century and has been used in various media and pop culture forms.

Some basic information about the idiom's meaning are:

• It is an insult, not a compliment.
• It implies that the person is dishonest, untrustworthy, or deceitful.
• It has some synonyms, antonyms, and related expressions.