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lend color to

Idioms  
  1. Embellish, especially to give the appearance of truth. For example, I'm sure he lied about reaching the summit; that detailed account about losing his pack merely lent color to the story. This expression uses color in the sense of “appearance of authenticity.” [Late 1700s]


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Winter bulbs followed by blazing banks of mature rhododendrons, azaleas and flowering trees in spring lend color to this decidedly green garden.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 26, 2022

In my own State to give any countenance to such a movement would tend to compromise me and lend color to the misrepresentations that apparently are being made in other States.

From Time Magazine Archive

Peking itself, in a move clearly designed to lend color to future charges of "aggression" by the U.S., proclaimed that henceforth the limit of its territorial waters would be not three but twelve miles.

From Time Magazine Archive

The purr of Czech motorbikes and the chatter of lovers drinking Bulgarian wine beside Lake Hoan Kien lend color to the clean but dour city.

From Time Magazine Archive

That, though, 'll lend color to the theory that you're in league with me—whereas, if I leave you to your own resources, that may help lose my scent.

From The Ivory Trail by Mundy, Talbot