My grandfather loves to spin a yarn about his youth.
spin a yarn
idiomTo tell or create a story, especially one which is lengthy or far-fetched.
Origin
disputed originBy metaphor from spinning fibers into yarn or thread, as for example at a spinning wheel.
We sat by the campfire while he began to spin a yarn about his travels across the sea.
The old sailor would often spin a yarn of mythical creatures and hidden treasures to entertain the curious villagers at the tavern.
- 01
make someone's head spin
To cause someone to be dizzy.
- 02
spin doctor
To generate spin (a favorable interpretation or bias).
- 03
spin one's wheels
To make no progress despite making an effort; to get nowhere.
- 04
spin out
To prolong; to make longer (in time).
- 05
spin someone's wheels
To excite someone; to stir someone's emotions.
- 06
take for a spin
To test or try out something, especially an automobile.