Out of whole cloth
Meaning
To invent something entirely without any factual basis or pre-existing material.
Origin
The phrase "out of whole cloth" pulls its vivid imagery directly from the world of tailoring. Imagine a master tailor, poised over a pristine, uncut bolt of fabric—"whole cloth"—ready to create something entirely new, perhaps a garment for which no pattern yet exists. When a story or statement is said to be "made out of whole cloth," it implies a similar act of complete invention. There's no pre-existing scrap or fragment of truth to build upon; instead, the entire narrative, every detail and thread, has been meticulously cut and sewn from nothing but imagination. This idiom, primarily an Americanism of the 19th century, contrasts sharply with the idea of altering or patching up an existing piece, emphasizing instead a total, unfettered creation.
Examples
- The politician's accusation was proven to be made out of whole cloth, designed solely to discredit his opponent.
- Her detailed story about discovering a treasure map was charming, but everyone knew it was spun out of whole cloth.