Tell it to the Marines definitions
| Word backwards | llet ti ot eht seniraM |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | This phrase is an idiomatic expression or saying and can be classified as a verb phrase. |
| Syllabic division | Tell it to the Ma-rines |
| Plural | The plural of "tell it to the Marines" is "tell it to the Marines". |
| Total letters | 18 |
| Vogais (4) | e,i,o,a |
| Consonants (7) | t,l,h,m,r,n,s |
Tell it to the Marines is an English idiom that originated in the British military and was adopted by the United States Marine Corps. The phrase is used to convey skepticism or disbelief in response to a far-fetched story or statement. It implies that only the Marines, known for their no-nonsense attitude and skepticism, would believe such a tale.
The Marines are a branch of the United States armed forces renowned for their elite training, discipline, and readiness to confront any challenge. As such, the phrase "tell it to the Marines" carries a sense of calling out deception or exaggeration, suggesting that only those tough enough to serve in the Marines would be gullible enough to believe the story being told.
Origin of the Phrase
The origin of the phrase "tell it to the Marines" dates back to the 17th century in Britain when the Marines were seen as tough and skeptical individuals. It was believed that if a story was unbelievable, one should "tell it to the Marines," implying that they were the only ones who would believe such a fantastic tale.
Usage in Popular Culture
Over time, the phrase has found its way into popular culture, often used in movies, books, and everyday conversations. It has become a way to express disbelief or doubt in a colorful and humorous manner. Whether used in jest or in a more serious context, "tell it to the Marines" remains a well-known expression in the English language.
Alternative Meanings
While the primary meaning of "tell it to the Marines" revolves around skepticism and disbelief, it can also be used to suggest that the listener should deliver their message to the toughest or most capable individuals. In this sense, it implies that only someone as resilient and discerning as a Marine would be able to handle the information being shared.
In conclusion, "tell it to the Marines" is a fascinating idiom with a rich history and multiple nuances in its usage. Whether invoking the skepticism of tough Marines or simply expressing doubt in an exaggerated story, this phrase continues to intrigue and entertain English speakers around the world.
Tell it to the Marines Examples
- When he claimed he caught a fish that was three meters long, I told him to tell it to the Marines.
- She tried to convince me that she saw a UFO last night, but I told her to tell it to the Marines.
- After listening to his far-fetched story about winning the lottery five times, I simply said, "Tell it to the Marines."
- When my little brother insisted that he saw a unicorn in the backyard, I told him to tell it to the Marines.
- The salesman tried to convince me that his product could cure all diseases, but I replied, "Tell it to the Marines."
- After hearing his elaborate excuse for being late, I told him to tell it to the Marines.
- Despite his claims of being a secret agent, I remained skeptical and told him to tell it to the Marines.
- When she bragged about running a marathon in record time, I simply said, "Tell it to the Marines."
- He claimed he could speak ten languages fluently, but I told him to tell it to the Marines.
- After his unbelievable story about being abducted by aliens, I raised an eyebrow and said, "Tell it to the Marines."