cautionary tale
idiomA story, originally told in folklore, to warn its audience of a certain danger.
- 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
Weep and wail
[Cockney slang]a tale
Used exclusively in reference to a beggar's tale.