Made Out of Whole Cloth 🧵
Definition
Made out of whole cloth: Refers to something completely fabricated or fictitious, often a bold lie. Originally, it was a tailor’s term implying that something was made from new, uncut cloth rather than from patched pieces—a metaphor for something entirely invented.
Synonyms
- Pure invention
- Entirely made-up
- Fabricated
- Cooked-up
- Story concocted from scratch
Antonyms
- Truth
- Genuine remark
- Bona fide
- Honest statement
- Verified fact
Fun Quote
“Some folks can tell a lie from nothing more than whole cloth, and they weave it better than any tailor ever could.” - Dr. Spinfabulum, Mastery of Misdirections
Related Idioms and Expressions
- Pulling the wool over someone’s eyes: Deceiving someone
- Snow job: A deceptive, misleading story
- Cock and bull story: An implausible tale
- Fish story: An exaggerated or incredible story
- Tall tale: An unbelievable or exaggerated story
Trivia and Fun Facts
The term “made out of whole cloth” dates back to the 19th century where making garments from uncut, whole cloth suggested quality, newness, and completeness. While its original connotation was positive, implying a well-made item, it eventually took on a negative skew by suggesting the creation of something new, yet fundamentally false.
Books, Literature, and Films
- Books: Lying by Sam Harris, The Liar’s Dictionary by Eley Williams
- Movies: Big Fish (2003), Catch Me If You Can (2002)
- Songs: “Liar” by Queen, “Would I Lie To You?” by The Eurythmics
- Poetry: “The Liar” by Sir Walter Raleigh
“Here’s to stories spun from ‘whole cloth,’ foretelling both the beauty and the charades of our imaginations. Happy weaving, dear reader!”
— F. O. Fabricator
