Spin a yarn

Meaning

The idiom "spin a yarn" means to tell a long and elaborate story, usually one that is not true or accurate. It can also mean to make up a story or lie in order to get out of a difficult situation or to avoid responsibility for something.

Usage

• I always enjoy listening to my friend spin a yarn about his adventures in Europe.
• When caught stealing, the thief tried to spin a yarn about how he had been framed.
• The politician spun a yarn about her plans for improving healthcare in the country.
• My sister loves to spin a yarn about her encounters with celebrities.
• The company tried to spin a yarn about their financial problems and why they needed to lay off workers.

Roots and History

The origin of the idiom is unclear, but it may have come from the act of spinning wool or thread into yarn. This could be because stories or lies are often long and complex, like a yarn made from many individual strands of thread. The first recorded use of the phrase "spin a yarn" was in the 17th century, but it has been used in various forms since then.

Synonyms in English

• Tell a tall tale
• Embellish the truth
• Exaggerate
• Spin a web of lies
• Make up a story

Synonyms in other languages

• French: "raconter une histoire" (to tell a story)
• Spanish: "contar una historia" (to tell a story)
• Italian: "dicere una storia" (to tell a story)
• German: "erzählen" (to tell a story)
• Russian: "сказать историю" (to tell a story)

Similar Idioms

• strive to do

• southpaw

• shoot from the hip