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lip off

B2 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To speak rudely or cheekily to someone, especially a boss, parent, or teacher.

Literal meaning: To let one's lips run (speak) off in a rude direction.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic informal

To speak rudely or impertinently to someone, especially someone in a position of authority.

"Don't lip off to the referee, or you'll be sent off the field."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Chiefly North American informal speech. Often used in the context of a young person being rude to an adult, or an employee to a manager. Can also refer to boastful or bragging talk. Less commonly used than 'mouth off'.

Commonly used with

boss teacher parent police authority crowd

Forms

Base
lip off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
lips off
he/she/it
Past simple
liped off
yesterday
Past participle
liped off
have + pp
-ing form
liping off
continuous

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Synonyms

mouth off talk back answer back sass speak out of turn cheek

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