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

See Examples For:

Irish bull

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

From Time Magazine Archive

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

From Time Magazine Archive

There is no better known form of Irish humor than that commonly called the "Irish bull," which is too often set down to lax thinking and faulty logic.

From The Glories of Ireland by Lennox, P. J.

In the first place, you wouldn't confess; then if you did--which you wouldn't--to employ the sort of Irish bull you yourself used--you would be discredited.

From Half A Chance by Isham, Frederic Stewart

The ploughs were not very first-class, and the horses were oxen—if I may make an Irish bull.

From From Squire to Squatter A Tale of the Old Land and the New by Stables, Gordon