spin doctor
To generate spin (a favorable interpretation or bias).
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The press team works hard to spin doctor every bad headline.”
“When the scandal broke, the company hired someone to spin doctor the story in their favor.”
“Skilled in the dark arts of public relations, she could spin doctor even the most damaging leak into a tale of corporate resilience.”
first recorded 20th c.
From spin, in the sense of a favourable comment or interpretation, and doctor. The term is first recorded c. 1984 in the New York Times.
- 01
doctors make the worst patients
It is difficult to advise people on subjects that they are experts on.
- 02
good doctor
An honorific form of address to a doctor.
- 03
good doctors
plural of good doctor. An honorific form of address to a group of doctors.
- 04
make someone's head spin
To cause someone to be dizzy.
- 05
spin a yarn
To tell or create a story, especially one which is lengthy or far-fetched.
- 06
spin one's wheels
To make no progress despite making an effort; to get nowhere.
- 07
spin out
To prolong; to make longer (in time).
- 08
spin someone's wheels
To excite someone; to stir someone's emotions.
Last updated August 10, 2026