# spin a yarn

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/spin-a-yarn
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To tell or create a story, especially one which is lengthy or far-fetched.

## Examples

- My grandfather loves to spin a yarn about his youth.
- 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.

## Origin

By metaphor from spinning fibers into yarn or thread, as for example at a spinning wheel.

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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.