tell a different story
idiom
: to show that something different is true from what someone says is true
He said he wasn't at the scene of the crime, but the fingerprints tell a different story.
Examples of tell a different story in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But the actions or Tramont and other supporters of the legislation tell a different story.
—
Adam Abutaa, Sun Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2026
But the health data tell a different story.
—Andrea Kane, CNN Money, 5 Feb. 2026
And while its facade may blend in with the rest of the city's historic stone architecture, the interiors tell a different story.
—Gisela Williams, Travel + Leisure, 31 Jan. 2026
But the reactions to three headlines from this past month tell a different story.
—Will Gottsegen, The Atlantic, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tell a different story
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Adam Abutaa, Sun Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2026
But the health data tell a different story.
—Andrea Kane, CNN Money, 5 Feb. 2026
And while its facade may blend in with the rest of the city's historic stone architecture, the interiors tell a different story.
—Gisela Williams, Travel + Leisure, 31 Jan. 2026
But the reactions to three headlines from this past month tell a different story.
—Will Gottsegen, The Atlantic, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tell a different story
Cite this Entry
“Tell a different story.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tell%20a%20different%20story. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
