English Idiom · Intermediate
lip off
To speak rudely, harshly or belligerently
Pronunciation: say lip off
Meaning
To speak rudely, harshly or belligerently.
Example
She spanked hard enough that she broke the yardstick in half, and picked up the bottom half and continued on with the punishment. I hold no grudge—I deserved it for lipping off.
She spanked hard enough that she broke the yardstick in half, and picked up the bottom half and continued on with the punishment. I hold no grudge—I deserved it for lipping off.
Practice tips
- Practice lip off out loud — read the pronunciation guide above and repeat.
- Use it in your own sentence today; reuse beats rereading.
- Pay attention to context: this English idiom is for intermediate-level learners.