WHOLE CLOTH Meaning and
Definition
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Whole cloth refers to a fabricated or invented story that is completely made up or fictitious, often with the intention of deceiving others. The term is derived from the textile industry, where whole cloth refers to a piece of fabric that has been created from scratch, rather than being made from pre-existing materials.
In a figurative sense, whole cloth is used to describe the creation of a story or information that has no basis in reality or fact. It implies that the story has been fabricated out of thin air and is not rooted in any truth or evidence. The term is often used to suggest that something is entirely untrue or unfounded.
The concept of whole cloth is closely associated with the idea of a complete fabrication or a baseless rumor. It suggests that the information or story has been simply invented and has no connection to reality. This term is commonly used in the context of journalism, where it is important to distinguish between true reporting and false or misleading information.
Overall, whole cloth refers to a made-up story or information that has no basis in reality, resembling a piece of fabric created entirely from scratch. It conveys the idea of an entirely fabricated narrative or falsehood that is not based on any factual evidence.
Etymology of WHOLE CLOTH
The term "whole cloth" has an interesting etymology. It originates from the Middle English phrase "a cloth made whole", which referred to a piece of fabric that had been produced entirely from scratch. In the past, when fabrics were often pieced together from smaller segments, "whole cloth" denoted a seamless piece, indicating that the entire fabric was devoid of any seams or patches. Over time, the phrase began to be used metaphorically to describe something that was entirely made up or invented without any basis in reality. Thus, "whole cloth" came to imply a fabrication or invention, suggesting that something was created entirely from scratch, just like a seamless piece of fabric.
Idioms with the word WHOLE CLOTH
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out of (the) whole cloth
The idiom "out of (the) whole cloth" means something that is entirely made up or fabricated, with no basis in truth or reality. It implies that the information or story is completely invented and has no foundation in fact.
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cut from whole cloth
The idiom "cut from whole cloth" means something that is completely made up or fabricated, with no basis in reality or truth.
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make something up of whole cloth
To fabricate or invent something entirely from one's imagination; to create something without any basis in truth or reality.
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make something of whole cloth
To make something out of whole cloth means to create something entirely new or fabricated, often from nothing or without any basis in truth or reality. It can also refer to creating a story or idea that is entirely fictional or invented.
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make up out of whole cloth
To create something entirely fictional or false, without any basis in truth or fact.
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cut out of whole cloth
The idiom "cut out of whole cloth" means something that is completely fabricated or created without any basis in truth or reality. It refers to something that has been invented or made up entirely, without any foundation or evidence to support it.
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make sth up out of whole cloth
To make something up out of whole cloth means to fabricate or invent something entirely, without any basis in truth or reality. It implies creating a story, excuse, or information completely from scratch.
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make (something) up out of whole cloth
To fabricate or invent something entirely false or fictional without any basis in reality.
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made out of whole cloth
The idiom "made out of whole cloth" means something that has been completely fabricated or invented with no basis in truth or reality. It refers to a story, excuse, or explanation that is entirely false and lacking any factual basis.
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whole cloth
The idiom "whole cloth" refers to something that is fabricated or invented completely from scratch, without any basis in truth or reality.
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out of whole cloth
To make something up completely, without any basis in truth or fact.
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made from whole cloth
The idiom "made from whole cloth" means something that is completely fabricated or untrue, with no basis in fact or reality. It is often used to describe a story, idea, or explanation that has been invented or created out of nothing.
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(made up) out of whole cloth
The idiom "(made up) out of whole cloth" means something that is completely fabricated or invented, with no basis in truth or reality. It is often used to describe a story, explanation, or statement that is entirely untrue and has been created out of nothing.
