a tall tale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tall tale" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a story that is exaggerated or hard to believe, often humorous in nature. Example: "He told us a tall tale about how he once wrestled a bear and won."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That day, she told a tall tale.

The New York Times - Sports

Now that is a tall tale.

The New York Times - Sports

It is a tall tale pretending to be a documentary.

The New Yorker

There he heard a tall tale about a jumping frog.

The New York Times

Japanese astronaut Norishige Kanai told a tall tale.

The Washington Post

This is a tall tale, not a fairy tale.

The New York Times - Arts

That would be a tall tale to end them all.

The Guardian - Books

A bubemayse, for example, is a common phrase for a tall tale or a lie.

The New Yorker

It's a tall tale that nevertheless makes a certain kind of sense.

The Guardian - Music

The idea that Yellen is too short for the job is a tall tale.

The Washington Post

It's a tall tale, told with verve and wit – but all on the same note.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing fiction, employ "a tall tale" to add color and exaggeration to a character's speech, especially if that character is known for their storytelling abilities.

Common error

Avoid using "a tall tale" when you mean a fairy tale. A fairy tale is a fantastical story with magical elements, while "a tall tale" is an exaggerated, often humorous, story rooted in real-world settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tall tale" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or complement in a sentence. It describes a particular type of story characterized by exaggeration and implausibility. As per Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Books

12%

Sports

6%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

HuffPost

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tall tale" is a common noun phrase used to describe an exaggerated or unbelievable story, often told for entertainment. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. While generally informal, its presence in reputable news sources indicates its versatility. It's important to distinguish it from similar terms like "fairy tale" and to use it appropriately to convey humor and exaggeration. The most authoritative sources employing this phrase include The New York Times, The Guardian, and The New Yorker.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an exaggerated story

Focuses on the exaggeration aspect of the story, downplaying the narrative element.

a fabricated account

Highlights the artificial and potentially deceptive nature of the story.

a fanciful narrative

Suggests a story that is imaginative and creative, but not necessarily true.

a preposterous tale

Emphasizes the absurdity and unlikelihood of the story.

a whopper

An informal term emphasizing the magnitude and incredibility of the lie or exaggeration.

a cock-and-bull story

An idiom indicating a story that is obviously untrue and absurd.

an unbelievable yarn

Highlights the narrative aspect while emphasizing its implausibility and folksy quality.

a fish story

An idiom specifically referring to an exaggerated account of a fishing experience.

a flight of fancy

Focuses on the imaginative and whimsical aspects of the story, suggesting it's detached from reality.

a pack of lies

A direct and forceful term indicating that the story is entirely false.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone tells "a tall tale"?

Telling "a tall tale" means sharing a story that is greatly exaggerated and often humorous. It's usually understood that the story is not entirely true.

What's the difference between "a tall tale" and a lie?

While both involve untrue elements, "a tall tale" is generally told for entertainment, with the exaggeration being obvious. A lie, on the other hand, is intended to deceive.

Can you give me some alternatives to "a tall tale"?

You can use alternatives like "an exaggerated story", "a fabricated account", or "a whopper" depending on the context.

Is "a tall tale" a formal or informal expression?

"A tall tale" is generally considered an informal expression, best suited for casual conversations and storytelling, but also employed by high-profile publications to stress a point.