song and dance
[noun]
Synonyms: spiel, line, pitch

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

a song and dance (about something)
a long and complicated statement or story, especially one that is not true

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

song and dance
[American]
a long and complicated statement or story, especially one that is not true.
She gave me some song and dance about her kids always being sick and not being able to get to the meetings.
(usually + about)

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

song and dance
n., informal
1. Foolish or uninteresting talk; dull nonsense. Usually used with "give".
I met Nancy today and she gave me a long song and dance about her family.
2. A long lie or excuse, often meant to get pity. Usually used with "give".
Billy gave the teacher a song and dance about his mother being sick as an excuse for being late.
The tramp asked us for money and tried to give us a big song and dance about having to buy a bus ticket to Chicago.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲