tell a different tale

tell a different tale

To give an account or provide information that differs from or conflicts with what someone else has said. The company's official statement would lead you to believe his resignation was voluntary, but he's been telling a different tale in recent interviews. He claims the albums has done exceptionally well, but these sales charts tell a different tale.
See also: different, tale, tell
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

tell a ˈdifferent, aˈnother, etc. tale/story

give some information that is different from what you expect or have been told: She sounded very calm, but her face told a different story.
See also: story, tale, tell
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • tell a different story
  • tell a different, another, etc. tale/story
  • tell another story
  • tell another tale
  • give an account to (someone)
  • credit (something) to (someone or something)
  • differ from
  • differ from (someone or something)
  • give an account
  • give an account of (someone or something)