[give] {sb} (some|any) lip
1
to talk to a person in a way that is rude and shows no respect for them
The exact origin of the idiom "give someone some lip" is not well-documented, but it is believed to have developed from the figurative use of "lip" to refer to talking or responding in a disrespectful or cheeky manner. It is used to describe the act of speaking disrespectfully, cheekily, or impudently to someone, often in a manner that challenges or questions their authority or criticism.
- And he was not certain, not certain at all, what he'd do if the prisoner gave him any lip or tried to be smart.
- When the teacher reprimanded him for not completing his assignment, he gave her some lip by arguing that the homework was too difficult.
- Even in a corporate meeting, he's not afraid to give his boss some lip if he thinks a decision is wrong.
- She was sent to the principal's office for giving the security guard some lip when he told her to show her school ID.
- Instead of accepting the feedback gracefully, he gave his supervisor some lip, questioning the validity of the criticism.