barefaced lie

Idioms  

1. A shameless falsehood. For example, Bill could tell a barefaced lie with a straight face. The adjective barefaced means “beardless,” and one theory is that in the 1500s this condition was considered brazen in all but the youngest males. By the late 1600s barefaced also meant “brazen” or “bold,” the meaning alluded to in this phrase.

---

Example Sentences

Mr Khan's spokesperson previously said the circulated leaflets "peddle a barefaced lie".

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2024

Elizabeth still hoped to avoid outright conflict with Spain and put about the barefaced lie that he had limped home empty-handed.

From New York Times • Mar. 10, 2021

"The cheque's in the post" still works, even though it is nine times out of 10 a barefaced lie.

From The Guardian • Jun. 29, 2010

It is the most barefaced lie in the world, my Nero," said he, addressing his dog—"this boasted liberty of man!

From Harper's New Monthly Magazine, Vol III, No 13, 1851 by Various

He knew by every instinct in his being that Lycon was telling a barefaced lie.

From A Victor of Salamis by Davis, William Stearns