lend color to

Idioms  

1. Embellish, especially to give the appearance of truth. For example, I'm sure he lied about reaching the summit; that detailed account about losing his pack merely lent color to the story. This expression uses color in the sense of “appearance of authenticity.” [Late 1700s]

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Example Sentences

Winter bulbs followed by blazing banks of mature rhododendrons, azaleas and flowering trees in spring lend color to this decidedly green garden.

From Seattle Times

Roasted red peppers and an orange shellfish emulsion lend color to the classic, which is staged in a blue bowl for even more flourish.

From Washington Post

Milk: Brushing with milk will lend color to the crust, as the sugars in the milk help to brown it.

From Los Angeles Times

This would seem to lend color to the charge of heresy against the conspirators, but the evidence was considered too flimsy to warrant condemnation.

From Project Gutenberg

For one thing, there was the manner in which the secretary had acted; for another, there was the unmistakeable earnestness of his appeal; and to lend color to his fears there was this singular nocturnal observation of his labors.

From Project Gutenberg