Tell a different story/tale
phrase
To show or suggest something different from what is expected, believed or said.
The boss said the project was doing well, but the financial reports tell a different story.
Often appears as...
- facts tell a different story
- results tell a different story
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To provide an alternate explanation or interpretation.
She said she was never there, but the security footage tells a different tale.
Often appears as...
- evidence tells a different tale
- his sad eyes tell a different tale
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To show or suggest something different from what is expected, believed or said.
The boss said the project was doing well, but the financial reports tell a different story.
Often appears as...
- facts tell a different story
- results tell a different story
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To provide an alternate explanation or interpretation.
She said she was never there, but the security footage tells a different tale.
Often appears as...
- evidence tells a different tale
- his sad eyes tell a different tale
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Expectation vs. Reality
Use when reality differs from what someone expects or claims.
He boasted about his cooking, but the burnt meal told a different story.
Pro Tip 2/3Subtle Contrast
The phrase often highlights a less obvious contradiction.
Everyone smiled in the photo, but their eyes told a different story.
Pro Tip 3/3Evidence Based
Pairs well with discussions involving concrete evidence or data.
The spokesperson remained optimistic, but the plummeting stock prices told a different story.
Pro Tip 1/3Expectation vs. Reality
Use when reality differs from what someone expects or claims.
He boasted about his cooking, but the burnt meal told a different story.
Pro Tip 2/3Subtle Contrast
The phrase often highlights a less obvious contradiction.
Everyone smiled in the photo, but their eyes told a different story.
Pro Tip 3/3Evidence Based
Pairs well with discussions involving concrete evidence or data.
The spokesperson remained optimistic, but the plummeting stock prices told a different story.
Pro Tip 1/3Expectation vs. Reality
Use when reality differs from what someone expects or claims.
He boasted about his cooking, but the burnt meal told a different story.
Pro Tip 2/3Subtle Contrast
The phrase often highlights a less obvious contradiction.
Everyone smiled in the photo, but their eyes told a different story.
Pro Tip 3/3Evidence Based
Pairs well with discussions involving concrete evidence or data.
The spokesperson remained optimistic, but the plummeting stock prices told a different story.
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