Have you ever noticed English expressions like:
- story of my life
- it’s the same old story
- end of story
These phrases are NOT talking about stories like the ones we read in books – they mean something totally different! By the end of this lesson, you’ll learn 15 natural English expressions using the word “story.”
And speaking of stories… we are creating a brand-new course called Bite-Sized Stories!
You will get 30 short and sweet story-based lessons in 30 days, helping you learn English vocabulary and grammar naturally.
Ready to learn these 15 surprising “story” expressions? Let’s get started.
story of my life
- 👉 Used humorously/sarcastically when something unlucky or typical always happens to you.
- Example: The bus left just as I arrived — story of my life!
a sob story
- 👉 A sad story meant to make people feel pity.
- Example: Don’t give me a sob story about why you’re late again.
inside story
- 👉 Secret or special information that not everyone knows.
- Example: She gave me the inside story about what really happened at work.
the full story
- 👉 The complete truth or all the details.
- Example: I don’t think he’s telling me the full story – he seems to be hiding something.
get/set the story straight
- 👉 To make sure the facts are correct.
- Example: Before we talk to the police, let’s get our story straight.
- Example: The newspaper printed the wrong facts, so he wrote a letter to set the story straight.
it’s an old story / it’s the same old story
- 👉 Something that happens repeatedly or is not new.
- Example: He promised to change, but it’s the same old story.
that’s a likely story
- 👉 A sarcastic way to say “I don’t believe that.”
- Example: The cat ate your homework? That’s a likely story!
don’t give me that story
- 👉 Used when you don’t believe someone’s excuse or explanation.
- Example: You have to stay late at work, huh? Don’t give me that story — I know you’re at the bar with your buddies.
…but that’s another story
- 👉 Used when you don’t want to go into more detail or it’s a different topic.
- Example: Oh, you’re going on a business trip to Spain? I met my husband in Barcelona — but that’s another story!
it’s a long story
- 👉 Used when something is complicated and would take too long to explain.
- Example: Why did you move to Canada? — Oh, it’s a long story!
to make a long story short
- 👉 Used to summarize a long explanation.
- Example: To make a long story short, we missed our flight and had to sleep at the airport.
end of story
- 👉 Used to show something is final and not open to discussion.
- Example: You’re not going to that party — end of story!
tells a different story
- 👉 Shows a different version of events or contradicts something.
- Example: He says he’s healthy, but his diet tells a different story.
what’s the story with…?
- 👉 Used to ask for information or an explanation.
- Example: What’s the story with your new job? Do you like it?
there are two sides to every story
- 👉 Means there are always two different perspectives.
- Example: Don’t judge too quickly — remember, there are two sides to every story.
Studying English with stories is extremely effective because stories make learning the language natural, memorable, and fun.
That’s why I’m so excited about the new Bite-Sized Stories Course! It’s 30 days with 30 stories, meaning you’ll be able to improve your English a lot in the next month. Come join us!
