with {one's} tongue in {one's} cheek
1
in an ironic, humorous, or insincere way, not meant to be taken literally
The origin of the idiom "with one's tongue in one's cheek" can be traced back to the physical gesture of placing one's tongue inside the cheek while speaking. This gesture is associated with hiding one's true feelings or intentions while saying something, often in a sarcastic or ironic manner. This idiom is used informally to indicate that someone is speaking with a touch of irony, sarcasm, or insincerity. When someone makes a statement "with their tongue in their cheek," it means that they may not be entirely serious about what they are saying, and there is a playful or mocking element to their words. It's a way of signaling to the listener that the statement should not be taken at face value.
- When she said she was an expert at skydiving, I knew she was speaking with her tongue in her cheek.
- He claimed that eating a whole pizza was his daily routine, but he said it with a tongue in his cheek.
- His compliment about her cooking skills was delivered with his tongue firmly in his cheek.
- The comedian often makes outrageous claims during his routines, always with a tongue in his cheek.
- She told him she could speak ten languages fluently, but it was clear she had her tongue in her cheek.