What Is A Fish Tale?

a fish tale

A big lie. The phrase alludes to the tendency of fishermen to exaggerate the size of the fish they’ve caught or lost out on.

What is the meaning of a fish tale?

An improbable, boastful tale, as in He came up with some fish story about his winnings at the track. This expression alludes to the tendency of fishermen to exaggerate the size of their catch. [ Early 1800s]