We've all leaned on a classic British fib when we've rolled in late. Rank them from mildly believable to absolute nonsense everyone sees through.
Put the items in your preferred order.
Signal failure at Clapham Junction
Nothing absolves tardiness quite like blaming Southern Rail. Bonus points if you sigh dramatically while saying it.
Sorry, the traffic was mental
No specifics, no evidence, just a weary shake of the head. Works in Manchester, Margate and everywhere in between.
I had to wait in for a parcel
The delivery window was 8am to 8pm and somehow the driver came at 7.59. Modern life's most relatable lie.
My phone died on the way
Conveniently explains the missed calls AND the lack of a heads-up text. Suspiciously full battery on arrival.

The dog wouldn't stop being weird
A catch-all involving a beloved pet that no one dares question. Cat owners use it too, despite cats requiring zero supervision.
Drag the photo to reorder
Wat heb je liever?
π€ Dilemma Β· 28 votes
Rank these classic Top of the Pops presenters by the year they first hosted the show (earliest to most recent)
π΅ Music Β· 28 votes
Which sport sees competitors race down a steep hill in Gloucestershire chasing a wheel of Double Gloucester?
β½ Sport Β· 25 votes
What was the original purpose of the Plimsoll Line, introduced by UK legislation in 1876?
π³ 26 votes