take someone's name in vain

take someone's name in vain
take someone’s name in vain often humorous phrase
to talk about someone in a way that shows a lack of respect for them
Thesaurus: to show that you do not respect someone or somethingsynonym
Main entry: vain

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I
see vain
II
use someone's name in a way that shows a lack of respect

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take someone's name in vain — see vain
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Main Entry:name
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take someone's name in vain
: to use (a name, especially the name of God) in a way that does not show proper respect

He took God's name in vain.

(humorous) I thought I heard someone taking my name in vain. [=saying my name]

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Main Entry:vain

Useful english dictionary. 2012.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • take someone's name in vain — take (someone s) name in vain humorous to say someone s name when they are not there, usually when you are criticizing them. Did I hear someone taking my name in vain? …   New idioms dictionary

  • take someone's name in vain — ► take someone s name in vain use someone s name in a way that shows a lack of respect. Main Entry: ↑vain …   English terms dictionary

  • take someone's name in vain — use someone s name in a way that shows a lack of respect. → vain …   English new terms dictionary

  • take someone's name in vain — often humorous to talk about someone in a way that shows a lack of respect for them …   English dictionary

  • take one's name in vain — {v. phr.} 1. To call upon (God) as a witness to your truth or honesty when you are lying; swear by (God) untruthfully. * /You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain./ 2. {informal} To talk about a person or mention his name. * / Did …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • take one's name in vain — {v. phr.} 1. To call upon (God) as a witness to your truth or honesty when you are lying; swear by (God) untruthfully. * /You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain./ 2. {informal} To talk about a person or mention his name. * / Did …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • take\ one's\ name\ in\ vain — v. phr. 1. To call upon (God) as a witness to your truth or honesty when you are lying; swear by (God) untruthfully. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. 2. informal To talk about a person or mention his name. Did I hear… …   Словарь американских идиом

  • take name in vain — take (someone s) name in vain humorous to say someone s name when they are not there, usually when you are criticizing them. Did I hear someone taking my name in vain? …   New idioms dictionary

  • vain — ► ADJECTIVE 1) having or showing an excessively high opinion of one s appearance or abilities. 2) useless or meaningless: a vain boast. ● in vain Cf. ↑in vain ● take someone s name in vain Cf. ↑take someone s name in vain …   English terms dictionary

  • vain — [ veın ] adjective * 1. ) someone who is vain is very proud and thinks they are very attractive or special: CONCEITED: He was vain about his looks, spending hours in the gym. 2. ) unsuccessful or useless: a vain attempt/bid/effort: They made a… …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

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