ENGLISH
REFERENCE

draw the long bow

idiom
Meaning

To exaggerate; to tell tall tales.


Examples
SIMPLE

He often draws the long bow when telling stories about his fishing trips.

CONTEXTUAL

I think he is drawing the long bow when he claims he met a famous actor at the local grocery store.

COMPLEX

While his account of the expedition was entertaining, the seasoned explorers knew he was drawing the long bow regarding the size of the creatures he encountered.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    a little of something goes a long way

    Only a small amount of something is usually required to produce a great effect.

  2. 02

    a week is a long time in politics

    In politics, much change can occur in a short space of time.

  3. 03

    another string to one's bow

    Another skill, ability or resource to be used in case of failure.

  4. 04

    as the day is long

    Unceasingly; very; thoroughly; to a very high degree.

  5. 05

    bow and scrape

    To behave in a servile, obsequious, or excessively polite manner.

  6. 06

    bow down

    To bow, to bend oneself as a gesture of deference or respect.

  7. 07

    bow down before the porcelain god

    Synonym of worship the porcelain god (“to vomit into a toilet bowl”).

  8. 08

    bow out

    To resign, or leave, with one's credibility or reputation still intact.

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