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

Allan Sekula's great "Fish Story" enters the Modern's photo collection.

From The Daily Beast

The Daily Beast: Allan Sekula's great "Fish Story" enters the Modern's photo collection.

From The Daily Beast

This peculiar trait of man allows him to relish a good fish story, or the latest news from the sea-serpent.

From Project Gutenberg

That is a fish story, which, like most fish stories, it is difficult to credit.

From Project Gutenberg

But, dear me, that is a fish story, and you mustn't believe any fish stories whatever except those your father tells!

From Project Gutenberg

This fish story has several rather astonishing features—at least to an inexperienced landsman.

From Project Gutenberg

It alwish seemed to me to be a beeg fish story, but it ish all blain to my mint now.

From Project Gutenberg