tall story: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘tall story’ mean?
A tall story is an exaggerated or unlikely story that is often told to entertain or deceive people.
Idiom Explorer
An idiom meaning an unrealistic or unattainable desire/expectation, often used to convey someone wanting something that is impossible to obtain.
The idiom "that's saying something" is used to highlight a statement that is particularly noteworthy or impressive, often because it exceeds expectations or goes against common assumptions.
An idiom used to emphasize the extreme or exceptional quality of someone or something.
A "tall tale" is an exaggerated or fictional story that is often used to entertain or impress others. It may involve unbelievable events or highly exaggerated details, making it difficult to determine what is true and what is not.
The idiom "tall order" means a demanding or difficult task that is challenging to accomplish due to its complexity, magnitude, or high expectations.
The idiom "tall in the saddle" means being in a position of power, confidence, or authority. It refers to someone who is self-assured and in control, especially in challenging or difficult situations.
The idiom *sugarcoated* means to make something seem more pleasant or attractive than it actually is, often by downplaying the negative aspects. It is often used to describe a way of presenting information or opinions in a way that is overly optimistic or rosy.
The idiom "suck the kumara" means to exaggerate or overstate a situation or story for dramatic effect.
The Exaggerated Myth
The phrase "cock-and-bull story" is another idiom that shares similarities with the concept of a "tall story." Both idioms convey the idea of a narrative that is unlikely to be entirely true and may involve exaggerations or fabrications. However, "cock-and-bull story" specifically emphasizes the element of deception or absurdity in the storytelling.
The origin of the idiom "cock-and-bull story" is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in the 17th century. One theory suggests that it may have originated from the practice of cockfighting and bullbaiting, where stories about these events were known to be exaggerated or fabricated for entertainment purposes. Over time, the term "cock-and-bull story" came to be used more broadly to describe any far-fetched or unbelievable narrative.
The idiom "scare story" is yet another related term that shares similarities with a "tall story." While "scare story" does not necessarily imply exaggeration, it does suggest that the narrative is intended to provoke fear or alarm. This idiom is often used to describe news articles or reports that are sensationalized or designed to create panic or anxiety among readers.
The idiom "sob story" can also be related to a "tall story" in certain contexts. While "sob story" primarily refers to a narrative that elicits sympathy or pity, it can also involve elements of exaggeration or manipulation to evoke an emotional response. This idiom is commonly used to describe stories that are meant to evoke strong emotions, often for personal gain or to influence others.
A "tall story" is an idiom that refers to an exaggerated narrative or tale, often involving unlikely events or details. It is believed to have originated in the American Old West, where cowboys and frontiersmen would entertain each other with embellished stories. The idiom is widely understood and used in both British and American English, and it can be considered part of a broader group of idioms that highlight the concept of exaggeration in storytelling. Other related idioms include "cock-and-bull story," "scare story," and "sob story," each with its own specific connotations and emphasis. These idioms contribute to the richness and versatility of the English language, allowing for engaging and captivating storytelling.
Example usage
Examples:
- He told a tall story about his wild adventures in the Amazon rainforest.
- Don't believe his tall stories about being a secret agent – he's just making it up!
- She's known for her ability to spin a tall tale, captivating her audience with imaginative and exaggerated details.
When someone tells a tall story they are exaggerating or embellishing the truth. The phrase is often used to describe a story that is unrealistic or unlikely to be true. It can be used interchangeably with terms like "tall tale" or "tall stories". The idiom is commonly used in informal contexts and is often used humorously to indicate that the story being told is far-fetched or highly exaggerated. It can also be used to suggest that someone is lying or trying to deceive others with their storytelling.
More "Fiction" idioms
