Feed (one) a line informal verb phrase
“Give someone a line” is also used to convey the same meaning.
To deceive someone into believing something that is not true, often as an excuse
He fed me a line about his family emergency.
Do not feed me a line! Why did you do it?
She told me that she was very busy so she couldn't help me, but I knew that she was just trying to feed me a line.
To avoid trouble or get out of a difficult situation by telling lies
The verb "feed" should be conjugated according to its tense.
The origin of this expression is not clear.
To behave or act more carefully than one did before.
I have to draw in my horns now because I have lost my job.