likely story

(that's a) likely story

A phrase used to express disbelief of an excuse or explanation. He said he had to stay late at the office again. That's a likely story—he's probably out with his friends! The cat ate your science project? Likely story.
See also: likely, story

likely story

An exclamation of distrust or disbelief in someone's explanation or story. Albert: "Sorry I'm late. My car broke down half way here!" Sarah: "Yeah, likely story! I bet you just wanted to finish watching the football game on TV."
See also: likely, story
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • (that's a) likely story
  • a likely story
  • likely
  • (my) right hand to God
  • hand to God
  • say it ain't so
  • shut the front door
  • Say it ain't so, Joe
  • Say it ain't so, Joe!
  • monkey's uncle, I'll be/am a
References in classic literature
"A likely story, truly," cried she, "that a woman should cry out, and endeavour to expose herself, if that was the case!
`A likely story indeed!' said the Pigeon in a tone of the deepest contempt.
We gave him all the regular ones - the time-honoured lies that have done duty up the river with every boating-man for years past - and added seven entirely original ones that we had invented for ourselves, including a really quite likely story, founded, to a certain extent, on an all but true episode, which had actually happened in a modified degree some years ago to friends of ours - a story that a mere child could have believed without injuring itself, much.
"Likely story!" and, as if satisfied with his examination, he walked out and looked, and stood with his hands in his pocket, his cigar in his mouth, and his hat cocked on one side, ready for action.
"Well," said the count, turning towards Franz, "it seems to me that this is a very likely story. What do you say to it?"
"A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door so as to wake a household.
Over in Ireland the Fairyhouse For Fundraisers Handicap at Fairyhouse looks a wide-open sprint handicap, but it's worth having a small bet on A Likely Story.
A LIKELY STORY The gelding can write a new chapter for Carluke Boys
There are several claims as to the identity of the body used, although the most likely story centres around a homeless Welsh rat-catcher named Glyndwr Michael who had used poison to commit suicide.
Kaufmann could say, "I am much less interested in metaphysics and theology than in what religions do to people--how they affect human existence through religion, faith, and morals." In the aggregate, a more likely story of Christ's redemptive act would be hard to invent.
Over a trip that was slightly short of his best, he was noted putting in some good late work at the finish to be beaten just over a length into fourth by A Likely Story.
Bruce Edinsor spoke next and coped effortlessly with A Likely Story.
Aside from Rodriguez's I Can and I Will Productions, Paul Feig and Jessie Henderson of Feigco will be producing the movie, together with Anthony Bregman and Peter Cron of Likely Story.
"A more likely story about the origin of the Christmas tree comes from the medieval mystery plays, one with a fir tree as a stage prop for the story of Adam and Eve," he said.
The Land of Netflix, Likely Story Nicole Holofcener