old wives' tale
English
Etymology
In this context, the word "wives" means "women" not "married women." From Middle English wif ("woman"). This general sense of the term still continues today in words such as midwife and fishwife.
Noun
old wives' tale (plural old wives' tales)
- A supposed truth that has been passed down by word of mouth
- A rumour, myth or superstition; something which is almost certainly untrue, despite acceptance by many.
Translations
supposed truth that has been passed down by word of mouth
rumour, myth or superstition
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