Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

cock-and-bull-story

noun
/ˌkɒk.ənˈbʊl stɔːr.i/
Definition
A cock-and-bull story refers to a fabricated tale or a fanciful account intended to deceive or mislead someone.
Examples
  • When I asked him how he lost his job, he told me a cock-and-bull story about a bear attack.
  • She often spins cock-and-bull stories to impress her friends at parties.
Meaning
This phrase is often used to describe a story that is unbelievable or ridiculous, commonly told to joke or entertain.
Synonyms
  • tall tale
  • fabrication
  • fantasy
  • lie