He told a tall tale about catching a giant fish.
tall tale
idiomA tale or story which is fantastic and greatly exaggerated; also, an account of questionable veracity; a lie, an untruth.
Origin
disputed originFrom tall (“exaggerated”) + tale.
The children listened with wide eyes as their grandfather spun a tall tale about his adventures in the jungle.
Despite his reputation for spinning a tall tale whenever he felt cornered, the witness insisted that his account of the evening was entirely accurate.
- 01
cautionary tale
A story, originally told in folklore, to warn its audience of a certain danger.
- 02
cut down the tall poppy
To belittle or undermine someone who is perceived as superior or more successful and accomplished.
- 03
live to tell the tale
To survive some difficulty, illness, etc.
- 04
ride tall in the saddle
To act or conduct oneself in a manner that is imposing, impressive, resolute, or manly.
- 05
stand tall
To behave in a brave, proud, or unyielding manner, without retreating from confrontation, danger, or adversity.
- 06
tall in the saddle
Imposing, impressive; resolute; manly.
- 07
tall order
A big job; a difficult challenge.
- 08
tall story
Synonym of tall tale (“a tale or story which is fantastic and greatly exaggerated; also, an account of questionable veracity; a lie, an untruth”).