ˌlip-ˈdeep, a.
a. Immersed to the lips; in quots. fig.
| 1780 Cowper Progr. Err. 233 Lip-deep in what he longs for, and yet curst With prohibition and perpetual thirst. 1867 Anderson Rhymes 129 (E.D.D.) Lip-deep in poverty he strove. |
b. Going no deeper than the lip; superficial.
| 1802 E. Parsons Myst. Visit I. 257 Sentiments that were merely lip-deep. 1831 E. J. Trelawny Adv. Younger Son I. 288 Their courage is but lip-deep. 1863 Cowden Clarke Shaks. Char. ii. 36 No cold profession merely,—no lip-deep ostentation. 1897 L. Keith Bonnie Lady ix. 95 The lave of them are bonnie bargains, and their promises but lip deep. |