Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

live-to-tell-the-tale

idiom
/lɪv tə tɛl ðə teɪl/
Definition
To survive an experience, particularly one that is difficult or dangerous, and be able to recount it later.
Examples
  • After surviving the storm, he was grateful to live to tell the tale of his adventure at sea.
  • Many soldiers return from war and live to tell the tale of their experiences.
  • Despite the challenges, she was determined to live to tell the tale of her journey.
Meaning
The phrase often implies that the experience was intense or risky, but the person managed to come through it successfully enough to narrate the story.
Synonyms
  • survive to narrate
  • come through
  • endure and recount