What does “Tall story” mean?
"A tall story" means an exaggerated or unbelievable story.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He told a tall story about catching a fish as big as a whale.
Example
She always comes up with tall stories to get out of trouble.
Example
I couldn't believe his tall story about meeting a famous celebrity
Is “Tall story” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Tall story” 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 “Tall story” effectively in context?
You can use "Tall Story" to describe an exaggerated or unbelievable story. It implies that the story being told is not entirely truthful or realistic. For example, if someone tells you a story about their incredible achievements that seem too extraordinary to be true, you might say, 'That sounds like a tall story.'
- 1Friend's Story
He told a tall story about catching a fish as big as a whale.
- 2Excuse
She always comes up with tall stories to get out of trouble.
- 3Unbelievable Encounter
I couldn't believe his tall story about meeting a famous celebrity.
Similar phrases to “Tall story”:
Fish tale
An exaggerated or untrue story, especially about one's accomplishments or experiences
Example
He always tells fish tales about the size of the fish he catches.
To exaggerate or make something seem more important or serious than it actually is
Example
He blew the incident out of proportion and started a huge argument.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Tall story” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Tall Story" is unknown.
Is “Tall story” common in everyday conversation?
"Tall Story" is a common expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to express skepticism or doubt about the truthfulness of a story.
What tone does “Tall story” have?
"Tall Story" conveys a tone of disbelief or skepticism. It suggests that the story being told is highly exaggerated or unlikely to be true.
Can “Tall story” be used in informal and formal settings?
"Tall Story" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in casual conversations among friends or in more formal situations such as presentations or written reports.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He told a tall story about his adventures.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'That's a "tall story"!' to express disbelief.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- fabrication
- whopper
- fib
- exaggerated story
- unbelievable tale
Antonyms
- fact
- reality
- nonfiction
- true story
