Pay lip service

Meaning

The idiom "pay lip service" means to give the appearance of doing something but not actually doing it, or to only say good things about something or someone but not truly support them. It's like giving a fake hug or nodding in agreement when you don't actually mean it.

Usage

• The mayor paid lip service to improving public transportation, but never followed through with any concrete plans.
• My colleagues always pay lip service to collaboration, but they never share their ideas or work with me.
• He pays lip service to his commitment to social justice, but only supports causes that benefit him personally.
• She paid lip service to the importance of exercise, but never actually worked out.
• Despite being a great actor, he often pays lip service to the seriousness of his role in the film.

Roots and History

The idiom "pay lip service" has been used since at least 1827 according to the Oxford English Dictionary. It is believed to have originated from the practice of touching one's lips as a sign of respect or obedience, but without actually doing what was being asked. Over time, the phrase evolved into its current meaning of giving the appearance of doing something but not actually doing it.

Synonyms in English

• Give lip service
• Pay lip service to
• Mouth words
• Go through the motions
• Pay lip service to something or someone

Synonyms in other languages

• 蒜尕 (luòng xià) - Chinese language, meaning "to fake a smile"
• 黽黽 (tū tū) - Chinese language, meaning "to put on a show"
• 税款 (zè kuǎn) - Chinese language, meaning "to pay taxes"
• 謝謝 (xiē xiè) - Chinese language, meaning "to thank you"
• 咕嗢嘴 (kāng cháo shū) - Chinese language, meaning "to chew and swallow empty words"

Similar Idioms

• play it by ear

• when pigs fly

• pop the question