English

edit

Etymology

edit

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

Pronunciation

edit

Verb

edit

spin a yarn (third-person singular simple present spins a yarn, present participle spinning a yarn, simple past and past participle spun a yarn)

  1. (idiomatic) To tell or create a story, especially one which is lengthy or far-fetched.
    • 1864, Anthony Trollope, chapter 14, in Can You Forgive Her?:
      Now I must tell you a little about myself;—or rather, I am inclined to spin a yarn, and tell you a great deal.

Translations

edit