weep and wail
a tale
“The child began to weep and wail after dropping his ice cream.”
“When the team lost the championship in the final minute, the fans started to weep and wail in the stands.”
“The tragic news caused the entire village to weep and wail as they gathered in the town square to mourn their loss.”
Used exclusively in reference to a beggar's tale.
- 01
cautionary tale
A story, originally told in folklore, to warn its audience of a certain danger.
- 02
live to tell the tale
To survive some difficulty, illness, etc.
- 03
tall tale
A tale or story which is fantastic and greatly exaggerated; also, an account of questionable veracity; a lie, an untruth.
- 04
tell its own tale
To speak for itself; to require no explanation.
- 05
tell tales
To lie, to be making false claims.
- 06
tell tales out of school
To reveal confidential or sensitive information; to gossip.
Last updated June 7, 2026