whole cloth
The term "whole cloth" can refer to both an uncut fabric and a completely fabricated story or idea.
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Definition
B2Textiles
(technical)A newly made fabric that has not been cut or altered.
Example
- The tailor ordered whole cloth to create custom suits.
C1Figurative
(idiomatic)A complete fabrication or lie with no basis in reality.
Example
- The story he told about his adventures was made from whole cloth.
C1General
(idiomatic)Entirely or completely, without any changes or additions.
Example
- The plot of the movie was taken whole cloth from an old legend.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "whole cloth":