line-shooting
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- an instance of boastful talk
- his brag is worse than his fight
- whenever he won we were exposed to his gasconade