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Archive Replay
Friday, February 13, 2026
Sign of the Day
lie
G-hand touches chin, flicks forward. Denotes telling an untruth or deceiving
A2 Common Verb British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
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Index finger extended, other fingers curled into a fist
Index fingertip touches chin, then flicks forward and slightly up
Discussing untruths, dishonesty, or deception
Break It Down
Watch, build, and feel the movement
Use the numbered steps first, then check the sign anatomy cards to clean up the small details that make the sign look fluent instead of approximate.
How to form the sign
- Form G-hand (index finger extended)
- Touch index fingertip to chin
- Flick finger forward and slightly up
- Optional: add furrowed brow
Coach prompt
Practice signing 'lie' with appropriate facial expressions for disbelief
Signature details
Handshape
Index finger extended, other fingers curled into a fist · Code G-hand
Dominant hand
Right
Symmetry
N/A
Contact
Touch
Palm orientation
Side (thumb towards signer), then outward
Eyebrows
Furrowed
Eye gaze
Forward
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
Puffed cheeks or 'pah'
Body shift
None
Use It Today
Move from recognition to real-life use
Everything below is designed to make the sign sticky: where it feels natural, what learners miss, and how to use it without sounding robotic.
He told a lie. / BSL: HE LIE
Often accompanied by NMMs indicating disbelief or disapproval
Best fit: Discussing untruths, dishonesty, or deception
Mirror focus
Practice signing 'lie' with appropriate facial expressions for disbelief
Catch the slip
Ensure the flick is forward and slightly up, not just a static touch. Use a clear G-hand
Use it today
He told a lie. / BSL: HE LIE
Common mistakes: Confusing with 'think' or 'secret'; incorrect handshape or movement
When not to use it: When referring to lying down (different sign)
Regional note: Minor variations in flick direction or intensity, but core sign is consistent
Cultural note: Direct eye contact often maintained, even when discussing lies
1.[en] Don't lie to me. / BSL:[DON'T LIE ME]
2.[en] He always lies. / BSL:[HE ALWAYS LIE]
3.[en] That's a lie! / BSL:[THAT LIE]
When would a learner use the BSL sign for lie?
Learners use this sign to express someone telling an untruth, deceiving, or fabricating information. It's common in everyday conversations about honesty.
What do beginners often get wrong when signing lie in BSL?
Common errors include confusing it with signs like 'think' (same location, different movement) or 'secret' (different handshape/movement). Ensuring a clear flick movement is key.
Does the BSL sign for lie change by region or context?
The core sign is quite consistent across regions. Slight variations might occur in the intensity or exact angle of the flick, but the main handshape, movement, and location remain stable.
Is the BSL sign for lie suitable for beginners or children?
Yes, it is a common and straightforward sign, suitable for beginners and children. The concept is easily understood, and the motor movements are not complex.
Which sign is most often confused with lie in BSL?
The sign for 'think' is frequently confused, as it also involves the index finger touching the temple/forehead area, but its movement is usually a gentle tap or a small circle, not a flick from the chin.
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Word web
Deceive
fib
mislead
fabricate
Tell the truth
be honest
Truth
honest
fake
secret
Truth
Honest
Deceive
Fake
Secret
The sign for 'lie' (G-hand, chin, flick) is distinct from 'think' (G-hand, temple, tap/circle) and 'secret' (A-hand, mouth, close). 'Lie' involves a clear forward flick from the chin, emphasizing deception, unlike the cognitive 'think' or the concealment of 'secret'
Deception
untruth
dishonesty
fib
Lie
tell a lie
deceive
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