spin (one) a tale

spin (one) a tale

To tell a lie or fictionalized version of the truth in order to convince someone of something or to avoid the consequences of something. Don't you dare spin me a tale about being at the library. I want to know exactly where you were tonight. I suspect he's just spinning a tale about where all that money came from.
See also: spin, tale
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

spin (somebody) a ˈyarn/ˈtale

tell somebody a story, usually a long one, which is often not true: She came an hour late and spun him a yarn about her car breaking down.Sailors used to spin yarns (= long threads) to make ropes. They were also famous for telling unlikely stories of their adventures, which is perhaps the origin of the idiom.
See also: spin, tale, yarn
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • a straw will show which way the wind blows
  • (someone or something) promises well
  • a fast talker
  • a/the feel of (something)
  • a necessary evil
  • (I) wouldn't (do something) if I were you
  • (have) got something going (with someone)
  • accompanied by
  • accompanied by (someone or something)
  • accompany