trump up: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘trump up’ mean?
The idiom "trump up" means to fabricate or invent false information or charges, often with the intention of deceiving others or gaining an advantage. It implies the creation of a false story or evidence in order to support a particular claim or accusation.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "up the ante" means to increase the level of risk, effort, or demand in a situation, especially in a negotiation or a competitive activity.
The idiom "trick up one's sleeve" means to have a hidden plan or strategy that can be used to gain an advantage or surprise others.
The idiom "think up" means to create or invent something, typically an idea or plan, using one's imagination or creativity.
The idiom "talk up" means to promote or highlight something in a positive way through enthusiastic or persuasive speech.
The idiom "stretch the truth" means to exaggerate or distort the facts to make a story or statement more interesting or favorable.
An idiom that refers to the spreading of false information or gossip about someone or something, often with the intention of damaging their reputation.
The idiom "put-up job" means a planned or arranged situation designed to deceive or trick someone.
An offensive idiom meaning to create something or provide information without any evidence or basis. Often used to criticize someone for making things up or speaking without knowledge.
An idiom meaning to improvise or make up something without any basis or evidence.
Crafty Origins
The idiom "trump up" is a commonly used phrase in English that means to fabricate or invent something with the intent to deceive or falsely accuse. It has been in use for centuries to describe the creation of false information or evidence.
The verb "to trump" originally meant "to deceive or cheat" and was derived from the French word "tromper." Over time, it expanded to mean surpassing or outdoing someone or something.
The addition of the adverb "up" in the idiom "trump up" intensifies the act of fabrication or invention, emphasizing its deceitful nature. This phrase is widely understood and used in both formal and informal contexts.
When someone "trumps up" something, they manipulate facts or events to create false narratives or falsely accuse others. This can happen in legal cases, political debates, or personal disputes. The motive behind trumping up can range from personal gain to discrediting opponents.
In legal contexts, "trumping up" charges involves falsely accusing individuals of crimes with malicious intent. This undermines the integrity of the legal system and can have severe consequences for the falsely accused.
Politicians and media outlets may also engage in the practice of trumping up information to shape public opinion or discredit competitors. By fabricating or exaggerating facts, they can influence public perception and gain an advantage in a particular narrative.
The act of trumping up illustrates the human capacity for deception and the dangers that arise when truth is intentionally manipulated. It reminds us to critically evaluate information and question the motives behind its creation.
The idiom "trump up" has a rich history, encompassing the act of fabricating or inventing false information. Despite its negative connotations, it serves as a potent reminder of the potential for deception in our society.
The idiom "bake up" is related to "trump up" in the sense that both involve the creation of something, though in different contexts. While "trump up" refers to fabricating or inventing false information, "bake up" often denotes the act of creating or concocting something, such as a plan or an idea. Both idioms highlight the human capacity for imagination and creation.
The idiom "sex up" is another related phrase that shares similarities with "trump up." While "trump up" involves the fabrication of false information or accusations, "sex up" refers to the act of making something more interesting, exciting, or appealing. Both idioms involve manipulating or altering the truth for different purposes.
The idiom "play up" is also related to "trump up" as it involves emphasizing or exaggerating certain aspects of a situation for a desired effect. While "trump up" focuses on the creation of false information, "play up" emphasizes or amplifies specific elements to influence opinions or outcomes. Both idioms demonstrate the power of manipulation and persuasion.
Understanding the origins and implications of idioms like "trump up," "bake up," "sex up," and "play up" allows us to navigate a world filled with complex narratives. By examining the ways in which language shapes our understanding and questioning the motives behind information, we can strive for a more transparent and honest exchange of ideas.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "trump up" can be used in a sentence:
1. The lawyer tried to trump up false charges against the defendant in order to sway the jury.
2. The tabloid newspaper likes to trump up stories about celebrities to boost their sales.
3. The politician accused his opponent of trumping up allegations in an attempt to damage his reputation.
More "Deception" idioms
