tall tale

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But you have to wonder whether his mother told him a tall tale as a child to comfort him.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 9, 2025

The preteen’s prank call came after an attorney for Carlee Russell admitted Monday that the Alabama woman spun a tall tale about her own abduction this month — which could also result in criminal charges.

From Washington Times • Jul. 27, 2023

For people who don't recognize Ballard as the most public face of a ridiculous tall tale accusing Wayfair of shipping stolen children in cabinets, the film's content may be extremely traumatizing.

From Salon • Jul. 22, 2023

In 1840, Locke admitted he was the writer, although some historians speculate other authors helped craft the tall tale.

From Washington Post • Aug. 14, 2022

Just a tall tale from long ago that didn’t have anything to do with me?

From "Moon Over Manifest" by Clare Vanderpool