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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The margin for error in these elite matchups is small, and the Ravens are struggling to overcome their mistakes.Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 2 Dec. 2024
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This copy may not be in its final form, may be updated and may contain minor transcription errors.ABC News, ABC News, 1 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Politics Trump’s Cabinet picks will test Senate independence Nov. 14, 2024 Kennedy spread the myths — refuted by science — that vaccines commonly injure children and cause autism.James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 1 Dec. 2024
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Similar myths abound in American culture, which frequently casts pain relief and pleasure as inseparable physical and psychological experiences—different sides of the same coin.Richard A. Friedman, The Atlantic, 29 Nov. 2024
Noun
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The Wizard of Oz explores the power of narratives, as almost every character is blinded by their own delusions, and can achieve their potential after believing the right kind of lie.Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 24 Nov. 2024
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So few had any real faith in fallout shelter delusions or duck and cover nonsense.Jody Mamone, Hartford Courant, 22 Nov. 2024
Noun
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While the exact rug that Lisa tested isn’t discounted atm, this design with an interesting illusion using monochromatic green hues just sky-rocketed to the top of our wishlist.Leah Muncy, Architectural Digest, 2 Dec. 2024
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Find it on Amazon Floor To Ceiling Shower Curtains Floor-To-Ceiling Shower Curtains add a touch of sophistication to your bathroom and create the illusion of more space.Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 27 Nov. 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 17 Dec. 2024.
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