The phrase "hands a line" is an idiomatic expression commonly used in colloquial English, particularly in informal or conversational contexts. It refers to the act of passing or giving someone a line or a story that is either false, exaggerated, or misleading.
When someone "hands a line" to another person, they are essentially telling them a fabrication or making an exaggerated claim in order to deceive or manipulate them. This could occur in various situations such as during a conversation, negotiation, or argument, where one individual attempts to deceive the other by presenting a false story or exaggerating certain details.
The expression can also imply that the person who is receiving the line is being naive, gullible, or unsuspecting of the deceit or exaggeration involved. In such cases, the person handing the line is taking advantage of the other's lack of awareness or skepticism.
The phrase "hands a line" is similar in meaning to other expressions like "feeds a line," "spins a yarn," or "tells a tall tale," which all involve some form of deception or exaggeration in storytelling.
It is important to note that "hands a line" is a figurative phrase and should not be taken literally. Its usage revolves around the idea of verbal deception or manipulation rather than any physical action involving hands or lines.
