pull out of one's ass
To fabricate (a factual-sounding claim) from no factual basis or evidence.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“He just pulled that excuse out of his ass.”
“The manager did not have any real data, so he just pulled the sales figures out of his ass during the meeting.”
“Rather than admitting his ignorance regarding the complex legal matter, the consultant simply pulled a baseless theory out of his ass to satisfy the board.”
- 01
abound in one's own sense
To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.
- 02
ace up one's sleeve
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
- 03
act one's age
To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.
- 04
act one's age, not one's shoe size
Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).
- 05
afraid of one's own shadow
Exceptionally timid.
- 06
air one's dirty laundry in public
To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.
- 07
air one's dirty linen in public
Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.
- 08
albatross around one's neck
A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.
Last updated August 10, 2026