Lying phrase in Japanese

There are many metaphors and idioms in Japanese that are fun and useful.

This idiom is used to say someone is lying about their age!

Let's learn a useful Japanese idiom

鯖（さば）を読む

saba o yomu

(Literal meaning) = To read a mackerel

(Idiomatic meaning) = To manipulate figures to one's advantage

◆ Etymologyexplanation

The origin of the word "saba" is said to have come from the fact that mackerel was a fragile fish and was counted quickly because there were so many of them, which did not match the actual number of fish.

◆ How do you use it?

Watch this fun video to see how you use it in conversation