scare story

Banbury story of a cock and a bull

A roundabout, nonsensical story.

break the story

To be the first to address or publicize an issue, often a news story.

change one's story

To give an account of events different from the one previously recounted.

cock-and-bull story

A far-fetched and fanciful story or tale of highly dubious validity.

long story short

Introducing a short version of, or simply the conclusion of, a relevant story.

moral of the story

The key lesson or message that an incident, situation or other happening conveys; a general takeaway point.

same old story

What usually happens; an occurrence that is tediously familiar.

scare someone to death

To frighten someone very much.