Live, etc. to tell the tale
phrase
To survive a dangerous or difficult experience.
He went skydiving and lived to tell the tale.
Often appears as...
- survived and lived to tell the tale
- barely lived to tell the tale
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To survive a dangerous or difficult experience.
He went skydiving and lived to tell the tale.
Often appears as...
- survived and lived to tell the tale
- barely lived to tell the tale
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Survival Emphasis
The phrase highlights survival from a risky event, often used dramatically or humorously.
After the roller coaster ride, I lived to tell the tale.
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Use
It can be used figuratively to describe surviving non-life-threatening situations.
I survived a three-hour meeting and lived to tell the tale.
Pro Tip 3/3Narrative Flair
The phrase adds a sense of adventure as if the speaker has a story to share.
She crossed the Sahara and lived to tell the tale.
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