mentir comme on respire

French

Etymology

Literally, “to lie like one breathes”, i.e. naturally.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /mɑ̃.tiʁ kɔm ɔ̃ ʁɛs.piʁ/

Verb

mentir comme on respire

1. (simile, informal) to lie constantly, to be a born liar

Usage notes

• The pronoun on agrees with the subject of mentir: tu mens comme tu respires, il ment comme il respire, etc.

See also

• mentir comme un arracheur de dents