The Canting Crew - phrases published in

Definitions

• disparage or criticize people who use religious language insincerely or for personal gain
  To describe people who pretend to be religious or moral but actually behave in a dishonest or hypocritical way

• dishonest or deceitful behavior
  To refer to a group of people who use religious or moral language to deceive or manipulate others

Examples of The Canting Crew - phrases published in

• The shady characters loitering in the alleyway were part of the Canting Crew, spouting out their colorful and deceptive phrases in the hope of beguiling unsuspecting bystanders.

  The Canting Crew was a group of vagabonds and petty criminals in the 18th century who used elaborate and misleading language, known as cant, to deceive and cheat people. They would often gather in alleys and on street corners, where they would engage in canting, which was both a means of communicating with one another and an entertaining spectacle for those passing by.

• After listening to the old sailor's tales of buried treasure and cursed seas, our skepticism was overcome by his captivating cant, and we found ourselves victimized by his deceitful schemes.

  The idiom "it was as plain as the nose on your face" is a phrase meaning something is very obvious or easy to see. In this example, we are using the Canting Crew idiom to mean that the old sailor's cant was so convincing and captivating that we were easily deceived by his lies.

• The street corner preacher's fiery Cant was a mix of religious fervor and empty promises, leaving the listening crowd both uplifted and skeptical.

  The Canting Crew idiom is often associated with deceitful and misleading language, but the phrase "Cant" itself can also refer to any set of specialized vocabulary or way of speaking. In this example, we are using the word Cant to describe the preacher's unique style of speaking, which blended religious language with empty promises intended to attract and excite his listeners.

• As the conman's Cant grew more elaborate and convoluted, his confusion became apparent, and his lies began to unravel.

  The Canting Crew idiom is often associated with criminal activity and deception, but in this example, we are using it to describe the conman's elaborate and confusing language, which became increasingly convoluted as his lies began to unravel. The use of the Canting Crew idiom in this example serves to highlight the conman's use of deceptive language, creating a vivid and memorable image of his declining fortunes.

• His nerves were on edge as he waited for the train, clutching his briefcase tightly.

  This is an example of the idiom "nerves of steel". It refers to someone who remains calm and collected in high-pressure situations, with nerves as steady as steel.

• She couldn't sleep all night, plagued by nightmares of losing her job.

  This is an example of the idiom "keeping someone up at night". It refers to a worry or concern that causes someone to lose sleep.

• He's always broke, but he's always got a smile on his face.

  This is an example of the idiom "broke as a joke". It refers to someone who is so poor that being broke is a joke or a source of humor.

• They got lost on the way to the party and ended up in a seedy part of town.

  This is an example of the idiom "ended up". It refers to a situation where the outcome is not what was expected or intended. In this case, "ended up" means they unintentionally found themselves in a seedy part of town.

Conclusion

"The Canting Crew - phrases published in" is an idiom that is used to describe individuals or a group of people who pretend to be religious or moral but actually behave in a dishonest or hypocritical way. It can also be used to refer to deceitful behavior where religious or moral language is used to deceive or manipulate others.

This idiom is often used to criticize or disparage individuals who are seen as insincere in their religious or moral beliefs. It can also be used to warn against trusting or associating with people who use religious language for personal gain or to deceive others. Overall, the idiom conveys a sense of skepticism and caution towards those who use religious or moral language insincerely.

Origin of "The Canting Crew - phrases published in"

The origin of the idiom "The Canting Crew - phrases published in" can be traced back to the 17th century, when it was used by the English playwright and poet Thomas Middleton. In his play "The Roaring Girl" (1611), Middleton included a list of canting (or slang) phrases used by a group of criminals and beggars. This list was later published as "The Canting Crew" and became a popular source of slang and criminal language.

The term "canting" itself refers to the use of religious or moral language in a hypocritical or insincere manner, and the "Canting Crew" was a derogatory term used to describe those who engaged in such behavior. Over time, the idiom has come to be used more broadly to criticize or disparage anyone who uses religious or moral language insincerely or for personal gain. Overall, the idiom has its roots in the portrayal of deceitful and hypocritical behavior, particularly in the context of religious or moral language.