cock-and-bull story
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.
Origin of cock-and-bull story
1Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use cock-and-bull story in a sentence
Is he here with another cock-and-bull story about land grants?
Frank Merriwell's Pursuit | Burt L. Standish"It's no cock-and-bull story you'll find it," asserted the Irishman.
Frank Merriwell's Pursuit | Burt L. StandishAnd you seriously expect us to believe this cock-and-bull story as an explanation—unsupported by any kind of proof?
The Brass Bottle | F. Anstey“Well, I do not mind coming to hear what cock-and-bull story you have trumped up,” muttered Saurin, turning away.
Dr. Jolliffe's Boys | Lewis HoughAnd pray, whom do you expect to delude with this cock-and-bull story?
Lochinvar | S. R. Crockett
British Dictionary definitions for cock-and-bull story
informal an obviously improbable story, esp a boastful one or one used as an excuse
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Cultural definitions for cock-and-bull story
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.”
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Other Idioms and Phrases with cock-and-bull story
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]
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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