Phrase guide

spin a yarn

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To tell or create a story, especially one which is lengthy or far-fetched.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

By metaphor from spinning fibers into yarn or thread, as for example at a spinning wheel.

Across languages

Translations

10 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: kertoa satuja — tell a story
  • Finnish: sepittää — tell a story
  • French: monter un bateau — tell a story
  • French: raconter des balivernes — tell a story
  • French: raconter des salades — tell a story
  • French: raconter des histoires — tell a story
  • Polish: bajać — tell a story
  • Polish: sprzedać historię (komuś, a false one) — tell a story
  • Polish: opowiadać głodne kawałki — tell a story
  • Russian: рассусоливать (rassusolivatʹ) — tell a story