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Thereby hangs a tale

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thereby hangs a tale

there is an interesting story connected with this matter. Yes, she comes in late most mornings, and thereby hangs a tale. She has a drinking problem.

See also: hang, tale

Thereby/Therein hangs a tale.

  (British & Australian humorous)

something that you say when you have been asked about something that needs a long explanation 'So what were you doing in Nick's garage at three o'clock in the morning?' 'Ah, thereby hangs a tale.'

See also: hang, tale

thereby hangs a tale

That detail or incident reminds one of another story, as in So he went without supper, but thereby hangs a tale. This expression, embodying the pun on tail and tale, was used by Shakespeare in at least four of his plays and presumably was well known before that. [1500s]

See also: hang, tale