English Explanatory Dictionary

take someone's name in vain

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To speak insultingly about someone, especially behind their back.

Word forms

take someone's name in vain takes someone's name in vain taking someone's name in vain took someone's name in vain taken someone's name in vain

Etymology

By extension from the widely known religious proscription against taking the Lord's name in vain, that is, uttering it in ways that are gratuitous and irreverent, such as swearing oaths casually.

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