cock-and-bull story
US /ˌkɑk.ənˈbʊl ˈstɔː.ri/
UK /ˌkɑk.ənˈbʊl ˈstɔː.ri/

1.
storia assurda, storia inventata, storia incredibile
a story that is obviously not true, especially one told as an excuse
:
•
Don't give me that cock-and-bull story about why you're late.
Non raccontarmi quella storia assurda sul perché sei in ritardo.
•
His excuse was a complete cock-and-bull story.
La sua scusa era una storia assurda completa.