Song and dance Meaning in English

expression

US

SAWNG and DANS

UK

SONG and DAHNS

Definition

"Song and dance" is an informal expression that means making an elaborate story, excuse, or show, usually to avoid the truth or to get attention.

Usage & Nuances

Usually negative or disapproving; often used as "give me a song and dance" or "make a song and dance about". Implicates unnecessary drama or avoidance. Not literal—rarely refers to actual singing or dancing.

• Spanish: historia larga - excusa elaborada - teatro (expresión figurada)
• Portuguese (BR): história longa - desculpa elaborada - enrolação
• Portuguese (PT): história longa - desculpa elaborada - conversa enrolada
• Chinese (Simplified): 托词 - 炫耀（表达方式）
• Chinese (Traditional): 藉口 - 炫耀（表達方式）
• Hindi: बड़ी कहानी - बड़ी बातें - बहानेबाज़ी
• Arabic: قصة طويلة - أعذار مبالغ فيها - تصرف مسرحي (تعبير مجازي)
• Bengali: বাড়াবাড়ি গল্প - বাহানা
• Russian: отговорка - рассказ с преувеличениями
• Japanese: 言い訳 - 大げさな話
• Vietnamese: lý do vòng vo - biện minh phức tạp
• Korean: 변명 - 핑계
• Turkish: bahane - tantana
• Urdu: لمبی چوڑی کہانی - بہانہ
• Indonesian: alasan berbelit-belit - alasan mengada-ada

Example Sentences

He gave me a song and dance about why he was late.

basic

Stop making a song and dance about it.

basic

She told a song and dance to avoid doing her chores.

basic

Every time I ask for help, he gives me the same old song and dance.

natural

There’s no need to make a song and dance about a simple mistake.

natural

You don’t have to give me the whole song and dance—just tell me the truth.

natural