verb
- past tense of phony; pretended to be something one is not; faked or deceived
Usage: informal; often used with 'up' (phoned up)
Examples
- He phonied his way into the exclusive club by using a fake ID.
- She phonied up an excuse to leave the meeting early.
- The witness phonied her testimony to protect her friend.
- They phonied their credentials to get the job.
- He phonied a smile even though he was upset.