very like a whale en · ADJ
Etymology
From an exchange between Hamlet and Polonius (discussing the shape of a cloud) in William Shakespeare's play Hamlet.
Meanings
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(humorous, not-comparable, slang) Highly improbable; not to be believed.
'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.
1859, Chambers's Edinburgh Journal, page 541: