say

Used to clarify or restate something in a more precise way; in other words.

• This project requires a significant investment, that is to say, we need to find new sources of funding.

in spite of what was just stated; nevertheless

• The service at this restaurant was a bit slow, but having said that, the food was delicious.

Used when pouring a drink for someone, indicating that they should tell you when to stop.

• Let me pour you some wine, just say when.

This phrase indicates that something is so obvious that it does not need to be stated explicitly.

• It goes without saying that the food at this restaurant is delicious.

Used to suggest a stronger or more extreme description, while avoiding direct use of it for politeness or caution.

• The plot of this movie is complex, not to say confusing.

Used to indicate that one is ready to comply with a request or offer assistance immediately upon being asked.

• If you need any assistance, just say the word.

To be unwilling or unable to offer any explanation, defense, or opinion.

• When asked why he was late, he had nothing to say for himself.

A phrase used to indicate that something is uncertain or unpredictable; it expresses doubt or a lack of knowledge.

• Will they accept the proposal? Who can say?

Used to acknowledge that something has certain advantages or merits.

• Although traveling can be tiring, there's something to be said for the independence of backpacking.

To express one's opinions or thoughts frankly and directly, often in a specific situation or discussion.

• Before the meeting concludes, everyone should have the opportunity to say their piece.

To remain completely silent; to not utter a word.

• When asked about the issue, he didn't say boo.

Used to emphasize the most important point or conclusion after considering all aspects of a situation.

• When all is said and done, the success of this project depends on the team's cooperation.

Used to express surprise or, in a humorous and slightly sarcastic way, to express a lack of surprise.

• "I heard they're getting married." "You don't say!"

Used to express that the speaker is compelled to admit or acknowledge something.

• I must say, this is the best cake I’ve ever tasted.

Used to indicate that you fully understand what the other person is implying and that no further explanation is necessary.

• "You look very tired today." "Say no more, I barely slept last night."

An expression used to emphatically agree with a statement made by someone else.

• "This restaurant's food is amazing!" "You can say that again!"

To concede defeat or surrender, often in a playful or lighthearted context.

• After a series of games, he finally said, "I say uncle!"

An expression used to indicate complete agreement with a statement that has just been made.

• "The service at this restaurant is terrible." "You said it!"

This phrase is used to indicate that an offer or arrangement is considered very reasonable and cannot be improved further.

• This price is already very fair for you; you can't ask for more. You can't say fairer than that.

Indicates a willingness to accept something offered or proposed.

• "Would you like some dessert?" "I wouldn't say no."

This idiom indicates that something has more disadvantages than advantages, implying that there are few positive aspects to it.

• In terms of efficiency, there's little to be said for this old system.

Used to describe something that happens extremely quickly or almost instantaneously.

• Before you could say Jack Robinson, she had already uploaded the files.

Used to express strong agreement with a previous statement.

• "This restaurant's food is delicious, isn't it?" "I'll say!"

This idiom describes something that performs its function or purpose exactly as it is described or advertised; it fulfills its claim.

• The phone's advertisement claims excellent camera capabilities, and it truly does what it says on the tin.

To speak at length and with a high opinion of oneself, often in a self-justifying manner.

• Despite making a mistake, he still had a lot to say for himself.

To accept the loss or cessation of something; to acknowledge that something will no longer be available or attainable.

• Since I started working full-time, I had to say goodbye to leisurely mornings.

To reveal or suggest the nature, quality, or truth about someone or something.

• His refusal to help his friend says something about his selfishness.

Used to express uncertainty or the inability to predict something; it implies that no one knows the answer.

• "How will this company develop in the future?" "Who can say? The market changes too quickly."

To express a positive opinion or say something commendable about someone or something that is generally considered unfavorable.

• I'll say this much for him, despite his occasional stubbornness, he always gets the job done.

Used to introduce a suggestion or a possible example.

• Let's say the company's revenue grows by five percent this year; we should aim higher for next year.

An expression used to convey surprise or, humorously and somewhat sarcastically, a lack of surprise.

• "He's late again." "You don't say!"

used to indicate the significant extent or degree of a particular quality someone or something possesses.

• It says a lot for his ability that he managed to complete such a challenging task in such a short time.

This idiom indicates that a particular person's statements or instructions must be obeyed without question.

• In our family, what Mom says, goes; her word is law.

To have the opportunity to express an opinion or influence a decision about something.

• As the project lead, she had a considerable say in the final product design.

An expression used to emphatically agree with a statement that has just been made.

• "This weather is absolutely terrible!" "You can say that again!"

An expression used to indicate complete agreement with a statement that someone has just made.

• "The service at this restaurant is terrible." "You said it!"

This idiom is used to express that an offer or arrangement is considered very good and cannot be improved upon.

• The price includes accommodation, all meals, and airport transfers, you can't say fairer than that.

In addition to what has already been mentioned; used to emphasize the significance of the next point.

• The trip will be very time-consuming, to say nothing of the cost.

Used to introduce a comment or criticism in a polite or humorous manner.

• I'm not saying your approach is completely wrong, but perhaps we could try something different.

An informal phrase used to ask if someone understands or agrees with what you are saying, particularly when you feel you have not expressed yourself clearly.

• I think we need to re-evaluate our strategy, know what I'm saying?

An expression used in response to a statement to challenge its validity, often conveying skepticism or disagreement.

• "This restaurant is the best in town?" Says who?

This idiom is used to express that something is not particularly impressive or praiseworthy.

• "He only ran five kilometers." "That's not saying much."

Used to indicate that the situation or matter being described is actually much more serious or significant than one has suggested.

• The result was disappointing, to say the least.

This phrase is used to demand an explanation or justification from someone who has done something wrong or inappropriate.

• You broke the vase, what do you have to say for yourself?