What does “Spinning a yarn” mean?
"Spinning a yarn" means telling a long and elaborate story.
What context can I use the in?
Example
Grandpa loves spinning a yarn about his adventures in the war.
Example
The author is known for spinning a yarn that captivates readers.
Example
The comedian had the audience in stitches with his spinning a yarn style of storytelling
Is “Spinning a yarn” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Spinning a yarn” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Spinning a yarn” effectively in context?
You can use "Spinning a Yarn" to describe someone who is telling a long and elaborate story. It often implies that the story may be exaggerated or fictionalized for entertainment purposes. For example, if a friend is known for telling entertaining stories, you might say, 'He's always spinning a yarn that keeps everyone entertained.'
- 1Family Gatherings
Grandpa loves spinning a yarn about his adventures in the war.
- 2Literature
The author is known for spinning a yarn that captivates readers.
- 3Comedy Shows
The comedian had the audience in stitches with his spinning a yarn style of storytelling.
Similar phrases to “Spinning a yarn”:
Weaving a tale
To create or tell a story, often with creativity and imagination
Example
The author is skilled at weaving a tale that transports readers to different worlds.
To invent or create a story, often with the intention to deceive
Example
The suspect was caught fabricating a story to avoid getting in trouble.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Spinning a yarn” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Spinning a Yarn" is unknown.
Is “Spinning a yarn” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Spinning a Yarn" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe someone who tells elaborate or exaggerated stories for entertainment purposes.
What tone does “Spinning a yarn” have?
"Spinning a Yarn" conveys a tone of amusement and entertainment. It suggests that the story being told is engaging and captivating, even if it may not be entirely true.
Can “Spinning a yarn” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "spinning a yarn" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes storytelling. You can use it in casual conversations with friends and family, as well as in more formal situations such as discussing literature or attending storytelling events.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He's always spinning a yarn that keeps everyone entertained.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time for some "spinning a yarn"!' to imply the start of an entertaining story.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- narrating
- recounting
- telling a story
- sharing an anecdote
- relaying an account
Antonyms
- sticking to the facts
- being straightforward
- telling the truth
- giving a concise account
