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A load of cobblers
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A load of cobblers

Meaning

Nonsense, rubbish.

Origin

a load of cobblersThis is a classic of Cockney rhyming slang. It originates from cobbler's awls, which are the pointed hand-tools that cobblers use to pierce holes in leather. The rhyme is with balls, or testicles.

The phrase is often reduced just to cobblers, which is now considered an acceptable vulgarism, as many may not be aware of its origin.

See also, other phrases that mean rubbish or nonsense:

A cock and bull story
A load of codswallop
Horse feathers
Mumbo jumbo
Stuff and nonsense
Talking through one's hat