Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

throw the bull

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.22 in modern English

Syllables: throw the bull
IPA

23

Scrabble Score

12

Letters

1

Syllables

9

Unique Chars

Meaning

verb

Dated; Intransitive verb

verb

To make false boastful claims.

Dated; Intransitive verb

verb

To talk or write in an obscure and pretentious manner.

Dated; Intransitive verb

verb

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see throw, the, bull.

Dated; Intransitive verb

Example Sentences

""Hello, Steve. Don't let me interrupt your business conference." ¶ "You're not. We were just throwing the bull. The boys are worrying about what will happen to the book business when we get in the war. Paper restrictions and the usual trade dung.""
""Sam, I'd love to throw the bull with you, but it's getting late. I'd better hit that diner.""
"Estimate the percentage of your time you spent goofing off: reading nonwork material, throwing the bull with co-workers, taking long lunch hours, flirting, etc."
"I lit a cigarette when we stopped outside the front doors. We threw the bull with the other cops before heading back."
""I'm glad you look at it that way. I don't want you to think I'm just throwing the bull.""
"He was urging, "I'm cured. I saw tonight that I can't act at all. I'm just a hick. I want all you guys to forgive me for having thrown the bull about my Hollywood place — I got it, all right, but I don't believe it any more. Eva, dear, will you move over and let me sit down beside you?""

Usage

Inflected Forms

throws the bull (present, singular) throwing the bull (participle, present) threw the bull (past) thrown the bull (participle, past)

Phrases

throw the bull around

Frequently Paired Words

throw the bull around

Synonyms

shoot the bull

Questions

What does throw the bull mean?: To chat idly.

How to pronounce throw the bull

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