fish story

noun

, Informal.

1. an exaggerated or incredible story:

   It was just another one of his fish stories.

Word History and Origins

Origin of fish story¹

An Americanism dating back to 1810–20

Idioms and Phrases

An improbable, boastful tale, as in He came up with some fish story about his winnings at the track . This expression alludes to the tendency of fishermen to exaggerate the size of their catch. [Early 1800s]

Example Sentences

He took the stage in a black suit and white tie, saying, “I am going to be forever grateful to the entire cast and crew of ‘Nemo’ for the giving of their incomparable talents to this little fish story that I had.”

From Los Angeles Times

"The point of the fish story is merely that the most obvious, important realities are often the ones that are hardest to see and talk about," Wallace noted.

From BBC

But a cellphone video filmed during Hurricane Ian’s assault on southwest Florida isn’t just another fish story.

From Seattle Times

A Washington Post headline from July 2002 found that the “Freakish Fish Story Flourishes.”

From Washington Post

The production reminds us of this when dancers wielding IV bags emerge during his fish story.

From New York Times