PhrasesHub

Pork pies

    Definitions

      • tell lies or falsehoods
        To accuse someone of lying or being deceitful

      • to be nosy or inquisitive
        To describe someone who is overly curious about other people's business or personal affairs

    Examples of Pork pies

    • She's really pulling out all the stops to impress the clients at the meeting today, but it's like her efforts are falling on deaf ears. She's really going the extra mile, but I think these guys are just keeping up appearances, or in other words, they're just pandering to her.

      The idiom "pulling out all the stops" refers to going above and beyond what is expected or required to accomplish a goal or task. In this example, the speaker is implying that the person they're talking about is really putting in a lot of effort to impress the clients, almost to the point of exhaustion. The second half of the example uses the idiom "keeping up appearances" which means to put on a false or superficial show of something in order to maintain a certain image or reputation. In this case, the speaker is implying that the clients are simply pretending to be interested or impressed, when in actuality they might not be.

    • After she got the promotion, she really started acting like the cat's meow. Everyone was clamoring to get on her good side, but she was as slippery as an eel when it came to doling out favors.

      The idiom "the cat's meow" is used to describe someone who is the epitome of coolness, success or attractiveness. In this example, the speaker is implying that the person they're talking about is now the envy of everyone in the workplace. The second half of the example uses the idiom "slippery as an eel" which is used to describe someone who is difficult to pin down or deal with. In this case, the speaker is implying that while the person might be in a position of power, they're not necessarily generous or easy to work with in terms of dispensing favors.

    • I don't even know where to begin with this project, it's like trying to fill a leaky bucket with water.

      The idiom "trying to fill a leaky bucket with water" is used to describe a futile or pointless task, something that is inherently difficult or impossible to achieve because of flaws or inconsistencies in the process. In this example, the speaker is implying that the project they're working on is so complex or flawed that it seems almost impossible to complete.

    • He was in a real pickle when he was accused of stealing the funds, but he managed to talk his way out of it and come out smelling like a rose.

      The idiom "in a real pickle" is used to describe a difficult or complicated situation, often one that is potentially damaging or hazardous. In this example, the speaker is implying that the person they're talking about was in a tough spot when they were falsely accused of stealing money. The second half of the example uses the idiom "come out smelling like a rose" which is used to describe someone who manages to extricate themselves from a difficult or compromising situation without any negative consequences or ill effects. In this case, the speaker is implying that the person was able to defend themselves against the accusations and emerge without any damages or negative consequences.

    • The detective questioned the suspect, but he kept his story straight as a pork pie.

      This idiom is used to describe someone who sticks to a lie or a story, even when faced with questioning or scrutiny. It compares their unwavering tale to the perfect shape and consistency of a pork pie, which does not easily buckle or change form.

    • The politician's promises were as hollow as a pork pie.

      This idiom refers to someone who makes empty promises or pledges, much like the hollow center of a pork pie. It suggests that the politician's promises lack substance or sincerity, much like the empty void left by the pie's filling.

    • The department store's sales had been stagnant for months, but the new marketing strategy finally got them rolling again like a pork pie off the assembly line.

      This idiom describes something that starts moving quickly and smoothly, much like a pork pie that has been perfectly produced, packaged, and sold. It suggests that the new marketing strategy was successful in getting the sales moving and generating profits like an efficient conveyor belt in a pie factory.

    • The couple went on a picnic, packed with homemade sandwiches, crisps, and, of course, a couple of pork pies for good measure.

      This example uses the idiom as a noun, referring to actual pork pies that were included in the couple's picnic provisions. It highlights the popularity and versatility of pork pies as a classic British snack that can be enjoyed in various settings, from baking at home to packing for a picnic on the go.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "pork pies" can be used to accuse someone of lying or being deceitful, as well as to describe someone who is overly curious about other people's business or personal affairs. It is a versatile idiom that can be used in various contexts to convey skepticism or disapproval.

    Origin of "Pork pies"

    The origin of the idiom "pork pies" can be traced back to Cockney rhyming slang, which originated in the East End of London. In Cockney rhyming slang, words or phrases are replaced with rhyming phrases, with the second part of the phrase being omitted. In this case, "pork pies" is a rhyming slang for "lies." The use of rhyming slang was a way for the working-class Cockneys to communicate without being understood by outsiders. Over time, some of these rhyming slang phrases have become widely used in the English language, and "pork pies" is one such example. Its association with deceit and nosiness likely stems from the negative connotations associated with pork in certain cultures, as well as the idea of pigs being associated with nosiness.