# draw a long bow

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/draw-a-long-bow
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To lie; to exaggerate.

## Examples

- He often draws a long bow when talking about his fishing trips.
- You should not believe everything he says, as he tends to draw a long bow about his past achievements.
- While the politician claimed to have saved the local economy single-handedly, most voters recognized that he was merely drawing a long bow to secure more support.

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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.