Also used in the phrase to lose (or grow) in the telling, often implying exaggeration. [1541 Schoolhouse of Women A4V] What soeuer commeth to memorye Shall not be loste, for the tellinge. [1581 Stationers' Register (1875) II. 388] A good tale Cannot to[o] often be Tolde.
Tales lose nothing by the cariadge.
[1609 S. Harward MS (Trinity College, Cambridge) 121]
A Tale never loses in the telling. Fame or Report‥commonly receives an Addition as it goes from hand to Hand.
[1721 J. Kelly Scottish Proverbs 44]
A story never loses in the telling in the mouth of an Egyptian.
[1907 Spectator 16 Nov. 773]
No doubt Antonio was telling the story to his fellow-gondoliers and it would lose nothing in the telling.
[1954 L. P. Hartley White Wand 15]
Like all strange tales, it will grow with the telling.
[1979 M. Stewart Last Enchantment 19]
Related to: rumour
Bibliography of major proverb collections and works cited from modern editions is available here.
