Understanding the French expression une histoire à dormir debout
The Local examines the origins and meaning of the popular French idiom une histoire à dormir debout, which refers to an unbelievable or far-fetched story.
By Europa Express18 Jul 2026 · 05:00 CETUpdated 18 Jul 2026 · 05:00 CET
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⚡ EXECUTIVE DISPATCH BRIEFDeveloping · Politics
Core Briefing: Understanding the French expression une histoire à dormir debout
Strategic Context: The Local examines the origins and meaning of the popular French idiom une histoire à dormir debout, which refers to an unbelievable or far-fetched story.
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According to The Local, the French idiom une histoire à dormir debout translates literally to a story to sleep standing up. The phrase is used to describe an account that is so unbelievable, absurd or far-fetched that it would cause someone to fall asleep even while standing upright.
The publication explains that while the imagery might suggest a literal physical feat, the expression is standard usage for dismissing tall tales or implausible explanations in everyday conversation.