Live, etc. to tell the tale

Pro Tip 1/3

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 2/3

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 3/3

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.