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jest

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jest about someone or something

to make jokes about someone or something. There is no need to jest about Lady Bracknell. I wish you would not jest about that.

See also: jest

jest at someone or something

to make fun of someone or something. Please don't jest at my cousin. Is someone jesting at my hairdo?

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jest with someone

to joke with someone; to try to fool someone. Surely you are jesting with me. Don't jest with me!

See also: jest

Many a true word is spoken in jest.

 and There's many a true word spoken in jest.

Prov. Just because something is said as a joke, it can still be true. Fred: Why did you make a joke about my being stingy? Do you really think I'm cheap? Ellen: Of course not, don't be silly. It was just a joke. Fred: But many a true word is spoken in jest.

See also: jest, many, spoken, true, word

in jest

as a joke He called me stupid, then said it was all in jest and he felt really bad about it.

See also: jest

There's many a true word spoken in jest.

something that you say when you think that something someone has said as a joke may really be true or become true 'At this rate we'll be walking all night.' 'Be careful - there's many a true word spoken in jest.'

See also: jest, many, spoken, true, word