The Open Dictionary

cock-and-bull story

noun

UK/ˌkɒk.ən.bʊl ˈstɔː.ri/
US/ˌkɑːk.ən.bʊl ˈstɔːr.i/

Definitions of cock-and-bull story noun

  1. Countable

    A fabricated and obviously untrue story, often used as an excuse.

    • He spun a cock-and-bull story about his car breaking down on the way to work.

    • Stop making up cock-and-bull stories; I'm not going to believe a word you say.

    • She told a cock-and-bull story about being abducted by aliens, but no one believed her.