as in error
a false idea or belief
the belief that going outside with wet hair will cause you to catch cold is just an old wives' tale
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Recent Examples of old wives' tale
An old wives' tale says heartburn during pregnancy means your unborn baby has a full head of hair, but many parents with bald babies would strongly disagree.
—
Tiffany Eve Lawrence, Parents, 3 May 2024
That's why there's no shortage of old wives' tales surrounding the induction of labor—and no end to parents-to-be looking for signs that their little one will arrive soon.
—Melissa Mills, Parents, 19 Dec. 2023
The idea that breast milk is a cure-all might seem like an old wives' tale, but there's scientific research behind the results Williams is seeing: fresh breast milk has been proven to help with atopic eczema, diaper rash, and a collection of other maladies.
—Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 6 Dec. 2023
For centuries, women have relied on this old wives' tale to get shiny, irresistibly touchable hair.
—Ashlyn Messier, Fox News, 17 June 2013
According to old wives' tales, these pregnancy symptoms may suggest your baby will be assigned male at birth.
—Christin Perry, Parents, 25 July 2023
Well, the Germans like a touch of oversteer, and that's no old wives' tale.
—Larry Griffin, Car and Driver, 15 Mar. 2023
An old wives' tale that keeping raw, unpeeled onions out will keep your family safe from illnesses such as the flu is making the rounds on Facebook.
—Katie Landeck, USA TODAY, 16 June 2020
The myth, which is partly based on an old wives' tale that claims that every year on the vernal and autumnal equinox, eggs are able to balance on their ends, appears to have surfaced annually since at least 2012.
—NBC News, 11 Feb. 2020
Tiffany Eve Lawrence, Parents, 3 May 2024
That's why there's no shortage of old wives' tales surrounding the induction of labor—and no end to parents-to-be looking for signs that their little one will arrive soon.
—Melissa Mills, Parents, 19 Dec. 2023
The idea that breast milk is a cure-all might seem like an old wives' tale, but there's scientific research behind the results Williams is seeing: fresh breast milk has been proven to help with atopic eczema, diaper rash, and a collection of other maladies.
—Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 6 Dec. 2023
For centuries, women have relied on this old wives' tale to get shiny, irresistibly touchable hair.
—Ashlyn Messier, Fox News, 17 June 2013
According to old wives' tales, these pregnancy symptoms may suggest your baby will be assigned male at birth.
—Christin Perry, Parents, 25 July 2023
Well, the Germans like a touch of oversteer, and that's no old wives' tale.
—Larry Griffin, Car and Driver, 15 Mar. 2023
An old wives' tale that keeping raw, unpeeled onions out will keep your family safe from illnesses such as the flu is making the rounds on Facebook.
—Katie Landeck, USA TODAY, 16 June 2020
The myth, which is partly based on an old wives' tale that claims that every year on the vernal and autumnal equinox, eggs are able to balance on their ends, appears to have surfaced annually since at least 2012.
—NBC News, 11 Feb. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for old wives' tale
Noun
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These principles are derived from industries with zero tolerance for accidents and errors, such as space exploration and commercial aviation.Caitlin Rivers, WIRED, 27 Dec. 2024
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The Bears, however, made several unforced errors that set their offense back.Kevin Fishbain, The Athletic, 27 Dec. 2024
Noun
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This guide delves into some common composting myths and explains how to quickly transform citrus scraps of all sorts into a rich compost that your garden and houseplants will love.Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Dec. 2024
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In his book, Wald admits to the challenge of trying to parse through what happened during Dylan’s set and what has grown into myth.Brady Gerber, Vulture, 24 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Elevating Mangione to a mythical status only serves to deepen his delusions of grandeur.Gord Magill, Newsweek, 21 Dec. 2024
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Ophelia, even in her delusion, wants others to remember her late father and the events that led to his demise.Nina Foster, JSTOR Daily, 20 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Even without the illusion, the cabin is good and spacious.David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Dec. 2024
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Because at 200 feet, the FAA requires warning lights and Disney Imagineers (Disney’s word for the engineers, creatives, and designers who dream, build, and product experiences in Disney Parks) did not want to break the illusion of being transported to another world.Deanne Revel, Southern Living, 26 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near old wives' tale
Cite this Entry
“Old wives' tale.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/old%20wives%27%20tale. Accessed 2 Jan. 2025.
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