Irish bull

American  

noun

1. a paradoxical statement that appears at first to make sense. Example: He's the kind of guy who looks you right in the eye as he stabs you in the back.

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Irish bull British  

noun

1. a ludicrously illogical statement See also bull 2

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Etymology

Origin of Irish bull

First recorded in 1795–1805

Example Sentences

To employ an Irish bull, the chief event of last week was one that didn't happen.

From Time Magazine Archive

Last week a Catholic philosopher was hooked by an Irish bull.

From Time Magazine Archive

After all, the best part of Altdorf, to make an Irish bull, lies outside of the village.

From Seeing Europe with Famous Authors, Volume 6 Germany, Austria-Hungary and Switzerland, part 2 by Halsey, Francis W. (Francis Whiting)

They had taken us at unawares, and as Creagh would have put it in an Irish bull the only retreat possible for us was an advance through the enemy.

From A Daughter of Raasay A Tale of the '45 by Travis, Stuart

To make an Irish bull upon this subject, one of the nicest things that I remember of the Hermit Club is that I don't remember whether we wore our hats while there or not.

From Abroad at Home American Ramblings, Observations, and Adventures of Julian Street by Street, Julian