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# fish story

phrase (noun phrase: fish story, fish stories; also «fish tale»; mainly US)

«fish story» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (euphemism, humorous) a story that is exaggerated or made up, especially a boastful one.
2. (literal) a story about fish or fishing, especially about «the one that got away», which grows bigger every time it is told.

### In the lessons

A playful way to call something a lie or exaggeration without being harsh; everyday, mainly US, also Canada. Comes from fishermen who make the fish bigger each time they tell the story.

### Examples

- Grandpa's fish story gets longer and the fish gets bigger every summer.
- That sounds like a fish story to me.
- He claims he scored ten goals? What a fish story!
- The newspaper called the politician's claim a fish story.
- Every fisherman has a fish story about the one that got away.
- "Is that a fish story or did it really happen?" asked the teacher.
- My little brother's fish stories are getting out of hand.
- It was no fish story; the photo proved the catfish was huge.

### Note

Trap: usually not about fish at all; it means exaggeration. Gentler than «lie». Plain words: tall tale, exaggeration, made-up story.