- Meaning
- This idiom describes an implausible, exaggerated, or fabricated tale told to deceive or entertain, like a fanciful story about a cock and a bull. It conveys disbelief or skepticism, often used in personal, social, or narrative contexts to dismiss tall tales. The phrase carries a tone of mockery, amusement, or incredulity, reflecting cultural values of truthfulness and the human tendency to embellish stories. Its animal imagery evokes a whimsical absurdity, resonating in scenarios like excuses or gossip. The idiom pokes fun at falsehoods, making it a playful metaphor for rejecting nonsense.
- Origin
- The phrase likely originated in 17th-century England, possibly tied to fables or tavern tales about animals, with early use in *The Anatomy of Melancholy* by Robert Burton (1621), referencing absurd stories. Its modern form emerged in the 18th century, with Samuel Johnson’s *The Idler* (1750s) using it for tall tales. The idiom gained traction in 19th-century literature, notably in Charles Dickens’ *Nicholas Nickleby* (1839). Its spread was amplified by British and American media, especially in satire, enduring for its colorful imagery and applicability to lies.
- Variants
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- Cock-and-bull story
- Cock and bull tale
- Bull and cock story
- Examples
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- His excuse about aliens stealing his homework was a cock and bull story.
- Cock-and-bull story, that’s what she told about missing the deadline.
- Don’t give me a cock and bull tale about why you’re late.
- Bull and cock story, he claimed, dismissing the wild rumor.
- That cock and bull story about a haunted office didn’t fool anyone.
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