Explore Arabic traditional proverbsReviewed 2026-10-23
Meaning: Verified- English translation
“How could you tell the story was false?” “Because it was too enormous.”
- Literal wording
“How did you know it was a lie?” He said, “Its size.”
- Meaning and lesson
A report may become suspect when its claims are stretched so far that they no longer seem credible. The saying presents extravagance itself as a reason to doubt whether what is being told is true.
It contrasts believable falsehood with truth expressed in an implausibly grand form. In that sense, it warns that overstatement can make even a truthful account seem less convincing.
- When it is used
Used in response to a report whose scale or claims seem greatly exaggerated, to explain why listeners doubt it or reject it as untrue.
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
Report an issue with this meaning: “How could you tell the story was false?” “Because it was too enormous.”