The twisted thread of a tale (4)
I believe the answer is:
yarn
This clue is a double definition.
'the twisted thread' is the first definition.
(yarn is made up of twisted strands)
'tale' is the second definition.
(synonyms)
'of a' is the link.
(Other definitions for yarn that I've seen before include "Exaggerated story or spun thread" , "Anecdote" , "A long tale" , "that'll keep you in stitches?" , "Cord of twisted fibres, wool say" .)