Definition

Noun: * An instance of boastful or exaggerated talk; bragging. It refers to speech that makes one's own abilities, achievements, or possessions seem greater or more impressive than they are in reality.

Usage

• "Line-shooting" is a somewhat informal, dated term for boasting. It describes the act itself, not the person doing it. It is synonymous with "bragging" but can imply a more colorful or elaborate style of exaggeration.
• It is typically used in contexts where someone's claims are viewed with skepticism or annoyance.

Examples

• We grew tired of his constant line-shooting about his business deals.
• Don't believe everything he says; there's often more line-shooting than truth in his stories.
• His account of the adventure was entertaining, but we suspected a fair amount of line-shooting.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used to characterize a specific instance ("That was a piece of line-shooting") or the general practice ("He's given to line-shooting").
• It often carries a connotation of harmless, if irritating, exaggeration rather than malicious deceit.

Variants and Related Words

• Shoot a line (verb phrase): To boast or talk extravagantly.
  • He's always shooting a line about his connections in Hollywood.
• Line-shooter (noun, rare): A person who habitually boasts.

Synonyms

• Boasting
• Bragging
• Gasconade
• Bluster
• Swagger (in speech)
• Vaunting

Antonyms

• Modesty
• Understatement
• Humility

Noun

1. an instance of boastful talk
   • his brag is worse than his fight
   • whenever he won we were exposed to his gasconade