A word similar to "cheating"

[Mehrgan]

Hi all,

When adults, or even kids, are playing, there are those who cheat but once caught out, they begin to defend themselves by giving lots of reasons and arguing. This happens after they cheat and after others notice it, and naturally no one believes them because they're just cheaters!

Is there any informal verb/phrasal verb to describe their behaviour (the TALKING they're doing, indeed)?

 

[Tarheel]

Try:

Cheaters who are caught defend themselves by giving excuses. ("Everybody does it.")

I don't know. I've never been caught. (Kidding.)

The only thing I can think of is they give excuses. (Which you already said.)

Here's another one: "I didn't think I would get caught."

They're bound to pretty lame, aren't they?

I don't think there is one, but maybe somebody has a suggestion.

 

[jutfrank]

'Making excuses' is what comes to my mind.

 

[emsr2d2]

Or "to excuse" (verb). Note that the "s" is pronounced like a "z" in the verb form.