# beat Banaghan

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/beat-banaghan
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To tell wonderful stories, or something which is amazing and remarkable.

## Examples

- That story really beats Banaghan.
- You should hear my grandfather talk about his travels; his tales truly beat Banaghan.
- The old sailor sat by the fire and spun a yarn that surely beats Banaghan, leaving the entire tavern in complete silence.

## Origin

The Classic 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue speculates "perhaps Banaghan was a minstrel famous for dealing in the marvellous." (disputed)

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.