What Does “cock-and-bull story” mean?
Definition:
The phrase “a cock-and-bull story” is an idiomatic expression that refers to a story or explanation that is obviously not true or is highly implausible.
This idiomatic expression is often used to describe a deceitful or unconvincing explanation or excuse given by someone.
Origin:
The origin of the phrase is somewhat unclear, but it is believed to have originated in England in the 17th century.
One popular theory is that it comes from the tales told at two coaching inns in Stony Stratford, Buckinghamshire – the Cock and the Bull. These inns were known for their travelers who would exchange exaggerated and fanciful stories.
Another theory suggests it might have origins in ancient fables where animals, like a cock and a bull, were often characters in unlikely or far-fetched stories.
Examples:
- Jane came home very late last night and gave her mother some cock-and-bull story about how she had to help her friend find her keys.
- When asked why he hadn’t completed his assignment, Tom spun a cock-and-bull story about being abducted by aliens.
- The politician’s explanation for the missing funds was nothing more than a cock-and-bull story that no one believed.
- Whenever she didn’t want to go to school, Lily would invent a cock-and-bull story about feeling sick or having an urgent family matter.
Synonyms and Related Idioms for “Cock-and-Bull Story”:
Synonyms:
- Tall tale
- Fabrication
- Fable
- Whopper
- Fairy tale
- Fiction
- Lie
- Yarn
- Myth
- Falsehood
Related Idioms:
- Pulling someone’s leg
- Spinning a yarn
- Telling tales
- Making up stories
- Blowing smoke
- Feeding a line
- Stringing along
- Selling a bill of goods
- Telling fibs
- Pulling the wool over someone’s eyes
This idiom is in the animals category.