cooks, cooked, cooking

to cook up
phrasal verb

To invent a story or plan, often with deceitful intent
  • 1They cooked up a story to avoid punishment.
  • 2She cooked up an excuse for being late.
To make up a fake story or plan, usually to trick someone. It's like creating a lie to deceive others.
Card
Be careful not to cook up stories too often, as people may start to doubt your credibility. It's important to be honest and trustworthy in all your interactions.
at the animal exhibit
The Unplanned Adventure
Ronald
We need to come up with a reason for being late.
Jessica
Let's cook up a story about helping a lost kid find their parents.
Ronald
That sounds believable enough.
Jessica
Alright, let's stick to that story then.
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Similar to "to cook up":
  • 1fabricate
  • 2concoct