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Pretense Vocabulary Set in Truth, Secrecy, & Deception: Full and Detailed List

The 'Pretense' vocabulary set in 'Truth, Secrecy, & Deception' is carefully selected from standard international textbook sources, helping you master vocabulary in a short time. Comprehensive compilation of definitions, illustrative examples, and standard pronunciation...

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in name only

/ɪn neɪm ˈoʊnli/

Example:

He is the manager in name only; his assistant does all the real work.

keep up appearances

/kiːp ʌp əˈpɪr.ən.sɪz/

Example:

Despite their financial struggles, they tried to keep up appearances for their children.

lip service

/ˈlɪp ˌsɜːr.vɪs/

Example:

Many politicians pay lip service to environmental protection but do little to implement policies.

put your money where your mouth is

/pʊt jʊər ˈmʌn.i wɛr jʊər maʊθ ɪz/

Example:

If you really believe in that startup, then put your money where your mouth is and invest in it.

a wolf in sheep's clothing

/ə wʊlf ɪn ʃiːps ˈkloʊðɪŋ/

Example:

Be careful of him; he's a wolf in sheep's clothing.

put on a brave face

/pʊt ɑn ə breɪv feɪs/

Example:

Despite the bad news, she managed to put on a brave face for her children.

play it cool

/pleɪ ɪt kuːl/

Example:

When she saw her ex-boyfriend, she tried to play it cool.

cry wolf

/kraɪ wʊlf/

Example:

If you keep crying wolf, no one will believe you when there's a real emergency.

crocodile tears

/ˈkrɑk.ə.daɪl ˌtɪrz/

Example:

She shed crocodile tears for her ex-husband, but no one believed her.

butter wouldn't melt in someone's mouth

/ˈbʌtər ˈwʊdənt mɛlt ɪn ˈsʌmwʌnz maʊθ/

Example:

She looks so sweet, but butter wouldn't melt in her mouth.

put on an act

/pʊt ɑn ən ækt/

Example:

She was just putting on an act to get attention.

accidentally on purpose

/ˌæksɪˈdɛntəli ɒn ˈpɜrpəs/

Example:

She accidentally on purpose spilled coffee on his new shirt.

stool pigeon

/ˈstuːl ˌpɪdʒ.ən/

Example:

The police used a stool pigeon to gather information on the gang.

play possum

/pleɪ ˈpɑːsəm/

Example:

When the bear approached, the hiker decided to play possum.

paper tiger

/ˈpeɪ.pər ˈtaɪ.ɡər/

Example:

The dictator was exposed as a paper tiger when his army quickly collapsed.

whistle in the dark

/ˈhwɪs.əl ɪn ðə dɑːrk/

Example:

He was just whistling in the dark, trying to convince himself that everything would be fine.

turn on the waterworks

/tɜrn ɑn ðə ˈwɔtərˌwɜrks/

Example:

Every time she doesn't get her way, she turns on the waterworks.

strike an attitude

/straɪk ən ˈætɪˌtud/

Example:

The model would strike an attitude for each photo.
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