Podcast Summary: All Ears English – "Not Gonna Lie, This Episode Will Keep You Honest"

Date: August 23, 2025
Hosts: Lindsay McMahon and Michelle Kaplan

Overview

This episode delves into the everyday language and idioms that Americans use when talking about lying. Lindsay and Michelle guide learners through practical English expressions containing the word "lie", exploring both their usage and cultural connotations. They use relatable examples, mini role-plays, and real-world context—all with an eye to helping listeners connect, not just communicate perfectly.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Why Talk About Lying? (00:59–02:07)

• Lying is a pervasive part of American culture, reflected in movies, the news, and daily interactions.
• The hosts introduce the episode as a way to make this common topic more accessible and engaging for English learners.
• Fluency and Connection: It's not just vocabulary, but knowing natural and creative ways to talk about everyday experiences.

2. Warm-Up: Personal Stories about Lying (02:07–03:33)

• Michelle admits she's tired and jokes about her husband delaying getting out of bed—a “truth comes out” moment.
• Both hosts discuss “little fibs” and common white lies, such as telling someone you're closer to arriving than you really are.
• Quote:

"This is the lie that will always be caught, right?" – Lindsay (03:22)

3. Listener Poll: How Do You Feel About Long Flights? (04:04–05:30)

• The results are evenly split between listeners loving, hating, or being indifferent toward long flights.
• Discuss how people see the world differently—relevant to the discussion about lying and honesty.

4. Key English Expressions about Lying (from 05:30 onward)

a. "Not Gonna Lie" (05:30–07:36)

• Definition: A casual, trendy way to introduce honesty, often before expressing a blunt or sincere opinion.
• Usage:
  • “Not gonna lie, these French fries are the best I've ever had.”
  • “Not gonna lie, I skipped the gym this morning.”
• Formality: Very casual; common among millennials and Gen X, possibly less among Gen Z.
• Quote:

"It's a kind of slang. It sounds a little bit younger. Yeah, it's casual. It's trendy right now. It's been trendy for a long time." – Lindsay (05:40)

b. "Catch Someone in a Lie" (07:38–08:47)

• Definition: To realize or discover that someone is lying, either in the moment or afterward.
• Examples:
  • “She caught her boyfriend in a lie when she found the ring.”
  • “If I catch you in a lie, I'll never trust you again.”
• Discussion: Trust is hard to rebuild after a lie.
• Quote:

"That’s really hard. You know, when someone lies early on in a relationship, how do you trust them again?" – Lindsay (08:32)

c. "Lie Through Your Teeth" (09:46–10:17)

• Definition: To lie boldly and without shame.
• Examples:
  • “I think she was lying through her teeth. There's no way she met Beyoncé.”
  • “Oh, come on. You're lying through your teeth. I saw you drop that on the floor.”
• Spelling Note:
  • “Lie” (verb) → “Lying” (progressive); L-Y-I-N-G (spelling is tricky for native speakers too).

d. "Lie to Someone's Face" (11:02–11:39)

• Definition: To lie directly and openly to a person.
• Examples:
  • “He lied to my face and told me he didn’t eat the last cookie, but I knew he did.”
  • “Please don’t lie to my face. I know what happened.”
• Insight: Considered more bold and hurtful than indirect lying.

e. "Lie by Omission" (11:42–12:21)

• Definition: Not telling the whole truth, leaving out important information.
• Example:
  • Complimenting only the earrings when you really think your friend's whole outfit doesn't suit her is a “lie by omission.”
• Quote:

“A lie is not always what we say. Sometimes it's what we don’t say.” – Lindsay (11:49)

• Hosts' Favorite: Michelle finds “lie by omission” most interesting.

5. Cultural References: Lying in Media (13:08–13:53)

• Lindsay mentions the TV show "Younger," where the main character lies about her age to get a job, exploring the complexities of honesty and ageism in America.
• Quote:

“It’s jarring when someone tells you they’re 26, and they’re actually 40.” – Lindsay (13:39)

6. Role-Play: Expressions in Action (14:02–15:26)

• Sisters at a hotel—using idioms in a natural, comedic mini-script.
  • “I can’t believe they lied to my face at the front desk and said breakfast is free when it’s not.”
  • “It was a lie by omission.”
  • “Not gonna lie, this place is giving me a bad impression.”
  • “We caught them in a lie!”

7. Takeaways & Why it Matters for Connection (15:38–16:48)

• Using these phrases helps express nuance and adds authenticity to conversations.
• Lying is a theme in much of American media and everyday life, so having richer language supports deeper cultural and interpersonal “connection—not perfection.”
• Quote:

“Having these phrases when you talk about what you’ve read in the news, what movie you saw, what TV show you’re watching—that’s a connection skill right there. Not just to say ‘he lied’. Say something more creative.” – Lindsay (16:05)

Memorable Quotes & Timestamps

• "This is the lie that will always be caught, right?" – Lindsay (03:22)
• "It's a kind of slang. It sounds a little bit younger." – Lindsay (05:40)
• "If I catch you in a lie, I'll never trust you again. It's a good question, right?" – Lindsay (08:32)
• “A lie is not always what we say. Sometimes it's what we don’t say.” – Lindsay (11:49)
• “Not gonna lie, this place is giving me a bad impression.” – Michelle, in the role play (14:23)
• “Having these phrases...that’s a connection skill right there. Not just to say he lied. Say something more creative.” – Lindsay (16:05)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:59 — Introduction: Why talk about lying in English?
• 02:07 — Sharing little white lies and personal stories
• 04:04 — Listener poll & cultural perspectives
• 05:30 — Idiomatic expressions start: "Not gonna lie"
• 07:38 — "Catch someone in a lie"
• 09:46 — "Lie through your teeth"
• 11:02 — "Lie to someone's face"
• 11:42 — "Lie by omission"
• 13:08 — Lying in American media ("Younger" example)
• 14:02 — Role-play of idioms in a hotel
• 15:38 — Takeaway: How these phrases enrich connection

Final Thoughts

This episode provides not just vocabulary, but a window into the way Americans approach directness, honesty, and the subtleties of communication. With lively examples and down-to-earth explanations, Lindsay and Michelle help listeners aim for authentic connection, not just textbook perfection.

Listen for: Playful banter, hands-on role play, and culturally rich context.
Recommended for: Intermediate–advanced learners who want to sound more natural and understand everyday American expressions about truth and honesty.