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vain

See:

IN VAIN,

TAKE ONE'S NAME IN VAIN.

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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms

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English Slang

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in vain

[in vain] {adv. phr.} 1. Without effect; without getting the desired result; without success. * /The drowning man called in vain for help./ * /To cry over spilled milk is […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

take one's name in vain

[take one's name in vain] {v. phr.} 1. To call upon (God) as a witness to your truth or honesty when you are lying; swear by (God) untruthfully. * /You […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

name

[name] See: [CALL NAMES], [HANDLE TO ONE'S NAME], [IN NAME], [TAKE ONE'S NAME IN VAIN], [TO ONE'S NAME]. A Dictionary of American Idioms

Ambrose Bierce

(1842-1914) Take not God's name in vain; select a time when it will have effect. www.english-slang.com

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