giving the lie

Verb

give the lie (third-person singular simple present gives the lie, present participle giving the lie, simple past gave the lie, past participle given the lie)

1. (idiomatic, intransitive, transitive) To respond to an insult, accusation, or falsehood by saying the offender is lying, particularly in the context of provoking a challenge to a duel.
   • Say to the Court, it glowes,
     and shines like rotten wood;
     Say to the Church, it shewes
     whats good, and doth no good:
     If Church and Court reply,
     then giue them both the lye.c. 1592, Walter Raleigh, “The Lie”, in (Please provide the book title or journal name), published 1608
2. Used in give the lie to.