cautionary tale
A story, originally told in folklore, to warn its audience of a certain danger.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“His failed business is a cautionary tale for new entrepreneurs.”
“The documentary about the company's collapse serves as a cautionary tale for anyone ignoring basic safety rules.”
“The rise and fall of the empire remains a cautionary tale, illustrating how unchecked ambition inevitably leads to ruin.”
- 01
live to tell the tale
To survive some difficulty, illness, etc.
- 02
tall tale
A tale or story which is fantastic and greatly exaggerated; also, an account of questionable veracity; a lie, an untruth.
- 03
tell its own tale
To speak for itself; to require no explanation.
- 04
tell tales
To lie, to be making false claims.
- 05
tell tales out of school
To reveal confidential or sensitive information; to gossip.
- 06
weep and wail
[Cockney slang]a tale
Last updated August 10, 2026