cock-and-bull story

[ kok-uhn-bool ]

noun

1. an absurd, improbable story presented as the truth:

   Don't ask him about his ancestry unless you want to hear a cock-and-bull story.

cock-and-bull story

noun

1. informal.
   an obviously improbable story, esp a boastful one or one used as an excuse

cock-and-bull story

1. A story that is false: “When John came home at 3:30 a.m. , he gave his mother some cock-and-bull story about having a flat tire on the way home.”

Word History and Origins

Origin of cock-and-bull story¹

First recorded in 1600–10; probably with original reference to some fable in which a cock and bull figure

Idioms and Phrases

An unbelievable tale that is intended to deceive; a tall tale. For example, Jack told us some cock and bull story about getting lost . This expression may come from a folk tale involving these two animals, or from the name of an English inn where travelers told such tales. W.S. Gilbert used it in The Yeomen of the Guard (1888), where Jack Point and Wilfred the Jailer make up a story about the hero's fictitious death: “Tell a tale of cock and bull, Of convincing detail full.” [c. 1600]

Example Sentences

Is he here with another cock-and-bull story about land grants?

From Project Gutenberg

"It's no cock-and-bull story you'll find it," asserted the Irishman.

From Project Gutenberg

And you seriously expect us to believe this cock-and-bull story as an explanation—unsupported by any kind of proof?

From Project Gutenberg

“Well, I do not mind coming to hear what cock-and-bull story you have trumped up,” muttered Saurin, turning away.

From Project Gutenberg

And pray, whom do you expect to delude with this cock-and-bull story?

From Project Gutenberg