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"giving him the lie"
Wordplay
Act 2,
Scene 3
Lines 28-32

An explanation of the phrase “giving him the lie” in Act 2, Scene 3 of myShakespeare’s Macbeth.

Porter

Therefore, much drink may be said to be an equivocator 
with lechery. It makes him, and it mars him; it sets
him on, and it takes him off; it persuades him, and disheartens him;
makes him stand to, and not stand to — in conclusion, equivocates him
in a sleep and, giving him the lie, leaves him.

The wordplay continues here. “Giving him the lie” can be read in three ways:

  • Lechery calls the drunk a liar (because he did not perform).
  • Lechery makes him lie down (pass out).
  • Lechery makes him urinate (at the time, urine was used to make detergent, or lye).