very like a whale
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
Highly improbable; not to be believed.
Register: humorous, slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
'On your way to dine with Sir William Ayr, indeed! Very like a whale that, captain, but not quite so large, you understand!' the sergeant said jeeringly.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “very like a whale” mean?
Highly improbable; not to be believed.
Is “very like a whale” formal or informal?
very like a whale is generally humorous, slang.