a fish tale

a fish tale

A big lie. The phrase alludes to the tendency of fishermen to exaggerate the size of the fish they've caught or lost out on. I'm sure Grandpa is just telling you a fish tale—there's no way all of that's true!
See also: fish, tale
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

fish tale

verb
See fish story
See also: fish, tale
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • a fish story
  • be pushing up (the) daisies
  • be pushing up daisies
  • be pushing up the daisies
  • don't jump the gun
  • answer the bell
  • be straining at the leash
  • Abraham
  • Abraham's bosom
  • be as safe as houses
References in periodicals archive
Leaper: A Fish Tale follows one fish's magical quest against the ever-growing natural and man-made monsters in our waters.
Following their highly-acclaimed productions of Sam Rose in the Shadows, The Golden Cowpat and Tim & Light, Leaper: A Fish Tale promises to be Tucked In's most ambitious family show yet - challenging, dark, never patronising and, most importantly, truly original.
Leaper: A Fish Tale is at Blackwood Miners Institute on April 30.
Leaper: A Fish Tale, Blackwood Miners Institute; preview