The idiom "cock and bull story" refers to a made-up or unbelievable story that is not true. It is often used to describe a story that is difficult to believe or seems too far-fetched to be true.
For example, if someone tells you that they won the lottery three times in a row, you might say, "That sounds like a cock and bull story to me."
The origin of this idiom is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the 17th century. It may have been inspired by the practice of farmers telling tall tales about their animals, such as a rooster and a bull fighting each other.
In modern usage, the phrase is often used to express skepticism or disbelief. It can also be used to dismiss a story as untrue or exaggerated.
So, if someone tells you a story that seems too good to be true, you can say, "That sounds like a cock and bull story to me."
• I don't believe your cock and bull story about aliens visiting your backyard.
• My little brother always comes up with some cock and bull story to avoid doing his homework.
• She listened with disbelief as he spun a cock and bull story about his whereabouts the previous night.
• The detective knew the suspect was lying when he told a cock and bull story about being at home all night.
• I'm sorry, but your cock and bull story about winning the lottery just doesn't add up.
• The politician's explanation for the scandal was nothing but a cock and bull story.