cock and bull story

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cock and bull story

Meaning

  • complicated, ridiculous, or unbelievable story
  • a story or explanation which is obviously not true
  • an unbelievable and fanciful story
  • a far fetched or implausible tale, used as an explanation or excuse
  • an exaggerated or falsified story
  • an absurd or improbable story presented as truth

Example Sentences

  1. She started to tell some cock and bull story to the police officers about how she found a huge bag containing 5 pounds of gold.
  2. When I asked him about his progress he tried to give me a cock and bull story, but did not care to hear what he said.
  3. When he was high after a few drinks at the party, he gave us a cock and bull story about how his life had been in danger several times and how he had heroically saved himself every time.
  4. When we asked him about his background, he gave us a cock and bull story about being from a royal bloodline and having spent his childhood in palaces.
  5. I don’t believe one bit of your cock and bull story.
  6. Don’t give me that cock and bull story. You should have completed this long time ago.

Origin

This phrase was first recorded in English in 1621 in Robert Burton’s “The Anatomy of Melancholy”. It is believed that the phrase refers to stories about magical animals. There is an alternate but implausible theory that the phrase originated in Stony Stratford in England. This town had two coaching inns named Cock and Bull and it is said that travelers would exchange fanciful and exaggerated stories. However, there is no evidence that this term originated from these two inns.

Share your opinions6 Opinions

The thief started to tell cock and bull stories when the police catch him.

‒ Akshatha Poojari January 31, 2019

She also try to make cock and bull story but I never believe on her story.

‒ Jatin Arora August 8, 2018

They told some people don’t like cock and bull story.

‒ Anonymous June 20, 2018

These sentences and meanings helped me a lot in enhancing my knowledge.

‒ Surbhi Singla April 9, 2018

She pursues her boss with cock and bull story to sanction her leave for next week.
Is it correct?

‒ Seeya January 26, 2017

She told a cock and bull story to the police officer about the brick incident, an unbelievable story that is intended to deceive.

‒ Anik Halder August 10, 2015

What's on your mind?

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