swallow the Bible—(U.S. coll.) perjure oneself (with reference to swearing on the Bible in a court of law):
- They will stick together, stretch conscience and at times “swallow the Bible.”
swallow the dictionary—(coll.) use long or difficult words (used showing disapproval):
- Have you swallowed a dictionary? We shall have to sack this fellow if he gets to talk English too well.