Top Pages
Home
A-Z Glossary
Punctuation
A-Z Confused Words
Common Mistakes
(ordered by seriousness) Top Tip
Get a grammar checker
for your browser ESL Vocabulary Lists Parts of Speech Lists Tests and Games Awkward Plurals Sayings and Proverbs Twitter YouTube
(ordered by seriousness) Top Tip
Get a grammar checker
for your browser ESL Vocabulary Lists Parts of Speech Lists Tests and Games Awkward Plurals Sayings and Proverbs Twitter YouTube
A Cock and Bull Story (Origin)
by Craig ShrivesWhat Is the Origin of the Saying "A Cock and Bull Story"?
A cock-and-bull story is an unbelievable tale. The term dates back as far as the mid 17 Century and is said to originate from Stony Stratford in Buckinghamshire, England. Coaches between London and Birmingham changed horses in the town at two of the main coaching inns — The Cock and The Bull.The banter of the travellers from England's two largest cities resulted in exaggerated and unbelievable stories. Therefore, a cock-and-bull story is an exaggerated or fabricated story like those told in The Cock and The Bull.
Previous and Next Sayings
Test Your Knowledge of English Proverbs and Idioms
Ready for the Test?
More Proverbs, Sayings, and Idioms
Help Us To Improve Grammar Monster
- Do you disagree with something on this page?
- Did you spot a typo?
Next lesson >