Arabian Nights; absurd tale; fantasy
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesnoun
The Arabian Nights; One Thousand and One Nights
Refers to the famous collection of Middle Eastern folk tales framed by the story of Scheherazade. The term originates from the ancient Chinese name for Arabia (天方, Tiānfāng) and 'night talks' (夜谭).
"The Arabian Nights" is a treasure of ancient Arabic literature.
I loved reading stories from the Arabian Nights when I was young.
noun
fantastic story; absurd tale; cock-and-bull story
informalMetaphorical usage implying something is completely unbelievable, absurd, or divorced from reality. Often used with modifiers like '简直' (simply) or '纯粹' (purely). Carries a negative connotation of fabrication or extreme exaggeration.
What he just said is simply a tall tale; nobody will believe it.
This claim is absolutely absurd and completely contradicts scientific common sense.
Show 1 more exampleShow fewer examples
Don't listen to his nonsense; it's nothing but a cock-and-bull story.