PhrasesHub

Load of cobblers

    Definitions

      • nonsense or rubbish
        To dismiss something as untrue or nonsensical

      • discourage someone
        Advise against engaging in a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit

    Examples of Load of cobblers

    • She promised me that she'd always be there for me, but her actions have been a load of cobblers.

      This idiom is used to describe something that is completely false, deceptive, or unreliable. In this example, the speaker is expressing their disappointment and disbelief in the other person's actions, as they had previously believed that person's promises were genuine.

    • The boss's explanations for why we're not getting our bonuses this year are nothing but a load of cobblers.

      In this example, the speaker is using the idiom to describe a situation in which they are skeptical or doubtful about the veracity or legitimacy of something. Here, the speaker is expressing their belief that the reason given by the boss for the lack of bonuses is false or fake, and perhaps the true reason is being hidden.

    • His arguments in defense of his actions were nothing but a load of cobblers.

      This example uses the idiom to describe a situation in which the speaker thinks that someone's arguments or explanations are illogical, irrational, or unconvincing. Here, the speaker is expressing their belief that the arguments presented by the other person are not valid, and perhaps the true reason behind their actions is being concealed.

    • The way he tries to woo women is nothing short of a load of cobblers.

      This example uses the idiom to describe a person's unconvincing or unattractive attempts to impress or seduce women. Here, the speaker is indicating that the other person's actions or behavior towards women are ridiculous, foolish, or not to be taken seriously.

    • That excuse is a load of cobblers!

      This idiom is used to describe an excuse that is completely false or ridiculous. "A load of cobblers" can be replaced with other strong expressions such as "bogus," "nonsense," or "total BS."

    • His claims fell on deaf ears as everyone knew they were a load of cobblers.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where people do not believe what is being said because they know it is false or untrue. "Fell on deaf ears" is a literary expression that means people failed to pay attention to what was being said.

    • She tried to make us believe her story, but we weren't buying her load of cobblers.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where people refuse to believe a false story. "We weren't buying her load of cobblers" means people didn't believe the story and saw it as false or deceptive.

    • I'm tired of listening to your load of cobblers!

      This idiom is used to express frustration with someone's false or misleading statements. "I'm tired of listening to your load of cobblers" means the speaker has heard enough of the false statements and wants the other person to stop.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "load of cobblers" is used to indicate that something is nonsensical or untrue, or to discourage someone from pursuing a particular course of action. It can be used to dismiss an idea or statement as nonsense, or to caution against engaging in an activity that is unlikely to yield positive results.

    It is often used in informal language to convey a sense of disbelief or to express doubt about the validity of a statement or claim. In the context of discouraging someone, it is used to advise against wasting time or effort on something that is unlikely to be successful.

    Overall, the idiom "load of cobblers" is a colorful and informal way to dismiss something as nonsense or to caution against pursuing a particular course of action.

    Origin of "Load of cobblers"

    The origin of the idiom "load of cobblers" can be traced back to the early 20th century in British slang. The term "cobblers" is a shortened form of "cobbler's awls," which rhymes with "balls" and is a slang term for testicles. The use of "cobblers" to refer to nonsense or rubbish likely originated from this association with something of little value or importance.

    The phrase "load of cobblers" is believed to have originated in the working-class slang of London's East End, where cobblers were known to gather and chat while working. Over time, the term "cobblers" came to be associated with nonsense or rubbish, and the idiom "load of cobblers" emerged as a way to dismiss something as untrue or nonsensical.

    Overall, the idiom "load of cobblers" has a colorful and somewhat cheeky origin, and its use has persisted in informal language to convey a sense of disbelief or to dismiss something as nonsense.