- take a name in vain
- use a name disrespectfully or without proper reason, use a name in a situation where it is not warranted (usually God's name)
English contemporary dictionary. 2014.
take a name in vain
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take a name in vain — To use a name lightly or profanely • • • Main Entry: ↑name … Useful english dictionary
To take a name in vain — Name Name (n[=a]m), n. [AS. nama; akin to D. naam, OS. & OHG. namo, G. name, Icel. nafn, for namn, Dan. navn, Sw. namn, Goth. nam[=o], L. nomen (perh. influenced by noscere, gnoscere, to learn to know), Gr. o mona, Scr. n[=a]man. [root]267. Cf.… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
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 * * * I see vain … Useful english dictionary
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 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 somebody's name in vain — take sb s name in ˈvain f12 idiom to show a lack of respect when using sb s name: (humorous) Have you been taking my name in vain again? Main entry: ↑nameidiom … Useful english 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 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
