Irish bull

noun

a paradoxical statement that appears at first to make sense. Example: He's the kind of guy who looks you right in the eye as he stabs you in the back.

Irish bull

noun

a ludicrously illogical statement See also bull 2

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Word History and Origins

Origin of Irish bull¹

First recorded in 1795–1805

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Mr. Seddon," said the Professor, "be so good as to keep your Irish bulls in the background.

From

So, also, the impossibility in plausibility which tickles the fancy in Irish bulls, and in wild exaggerations, leaves an uncomfortable impression, a certain aftertaste of foolishness.

From

These were the original Irish bulls, we suppose.

From

Ah, yes, the herr is right, they were Irish bulls; but I do not quite know.

From

Irish bulls, as it has been said of constitutions, "are not made—they grow," and that only in their own native soil.

From

Irish bridge Irish coffee

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