cock-and-bull story
Plural
cock-and-bull stories
1
a story that seems impossible, particularly one that is used as an excuse
The idiom "cock-and-bull story" has its origins in the 17th century and refers to a fanciful, improbable, or exaggerated tale. The phrase likely comes from the names of two inns, the "Cock" and the "Bull," which were known for hosting travelers and entertaining them with extravagant and fictitious stories. Today, this expression is used to describe a narrative that is fabricated, unbelievable, or intended to deceive, often characterized by its lack of credibility.
- His excuse for missing work was nothing more than a cock-and-bull story about an alien abduction.
- The old man entertained the children with a cock-and-bull story about a treasure buried in the backyard.
- The defendant's alibi was seen as a cock and bull story by the jury, leading to his conviction.
- She came up with a cock-and-bull story to explain why she was late to the meeting, but no one believed her.
- The tall tales in that novel were a collection of cock-and-bull stories that made it a bestseller among adventure enthusiasts.