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

At the same time he now and then drew out a real witticism, and more than once he notes with delight a real Irish "bull."

From Lighter Moments from the Notebook of Bishop Walsham How by How, Frederick Douglas

Anent the Irish bull, we may quote an Irishman's answer when asked to define a bull.

From Jokes For All Occasions Selected and Edited by One of America's Foremost Public Speakers by Anonymous

He picked himself up slowly, and called out in a serio-comic tone of voice, committing the old Irish bull, "Hould, asy with your laffin', boys; there is sivin more loads in her yit."

From Thirteen Months in the Rebel Army Being a Narrative of Personal Adventures in the Infantry, Ordnance, Cavalry, Courier, and Hospital Services; With an Exhibition of the Power, Purposes, Earnestness, Military Despotism, and Demoralization of the South by Stevenson, William G.