Spin a yarn Meaning in English
expression
ˈspɪn/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈjɑɹn
SPIN-uh-YARN
spˈɪn/ /æɪ/ /jˈɑːn
SPIN-uh-YAHN
Definition
To tell a long or imaginative story, often exaggerated or not entirely true, usually to entertain or impress.
Usage & Nuances
Idiom, mainly informal or conversational. Suggests creativity or exaggeration, not necessarily a serious lie. Often used with verbs like 'love to', 'try to', 'just'. Don’t use literally—it's about storytelling, not physically spinning.
Spanish: contar una historia (fantasiosa) - inventar un cuentoPortuguese (BR): contar uma história (fantasiosa) - inventar uma históriaPortuguese (PT): contar uma história (fantasiosa) - inventar uma históriaChinese (Simplified): 编故事 - 讲故事（虚构的）Chinese (Traditional): 編故事 - 說故事（虛構的）Hindi: किस्सा गढ़ना - कहानी बनानाArabic: يخترع قصة - يروي قصة (غير حقيقية)Bengali: গল্প ফাঁদা - গল্প বানানোRussian: быть сказочником - сочинять небылицыJapanese: 話を作る - ホラを吹くVietnamese: kể chuyện bịa - thêu dệt chuyệnKorean: 이야기를 지어내다 - 뻥을 치다Turkish: hikaye uydurmakUrdu: کہانی بنانا - قصہ گھڑناIndonesian: mengarang cerita - membual
Example Sentences
My grandfather loves to spin a yarn about his adventures.
basic
He tried to spin a yarn to stay out of trouble.
basic
Children often spin a yarn when explaining a mess.
basic
If you ask Tom where he was, he's sure to spin a yarn.
natural
You can always count on Sarah to spin a yarn at parties.
natural
He can spin a yarn so well, you almost believe every word.
natural