An old wives’ tale
noun
A traditional belief or story that is not based on reality or facts, often about health or behaviour.
They say eating carrots will improve your eyesight but it's just an old wives' tale.
Often appears as...
- just an old wives' tale
- believe in an old wives' tale
Usage tips
Colloquial
noun
A traditional belief or story that is not based on reality or facts, often about health or behaviour.
They say eating carrots will improve your eyesight but it's just an old wives' tale.
Often appears as...
- just an old wives' tale
- believe in an old wives' tale
Usage tips
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Colloquial Usage
Used informally, great for casual conversations but not in formal writing.
My grandma warned me that sitting too close to the TV is bad for my eyes, but that's probably an old wives' tale.
Pro Tip 2/3Non-scientific Claims
Refers to beliefs that are not backed by modern science, often passed down through generations.
I heard that rubbing a wart with a potato will make it disappear, but it sounds like an old wives' tale to me.
Pro Tip 3/3Skepticism Expressed
Express skepticism or doubt about the truth of something when using this phrase.
Eat chicken soup to cure a cold? Sounds like an old wives' tale to me.
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