say

verb, noun, exclamation verb (says ) speak 1 ~ sth (to sb) to speak or tell sb sth, using words: [Vspeech] 'Hello!' she said. * 'That was marvellous,' said Daniel. HELPNOTE In stories the subject often comes after said, says or say when it follows the actual words spoken, unless it is a pronoun. [VN] Be quiet, I have something to say. * She said nothing to me about it. * Having said that (= despite what I have just said), I agree with your other point. * He knew that if he wasn't back by midnight, his parents would have something to say about it (= be angry). * That's a terrible thing to say. * I didn't believe a word she said. * [V(that)] He said (that) his name was Sam. * [VNthat] It is said that she lived to be over 100. * [Vwh-] She finds it hard to say what she feels. * [V] I said to myself (= thought), 'That can't be right!' * 'That's impossible!' 'So you say (= but I think you may be wrong).' * 'Why can't I go out now?' 'Because I say so.' * 'What do you want it for?' 'I'd rather not say.' * [Vtoinf] He said to meet him here. * [VNtoinf] He is said to have been a brilliant scholar. HELPNOTE This pattern is only used in the passive. repeat words 2 [VN] to repeat words, phrases, etc: to say a prayer * Try to say that line with more conviction. express opinion 3 to express an opinion on sth: [VN] Say what you like (= although you disagree) about her, she's a fine singer. * I'll say this for them, they're a very efficient company. * Anna thinks I'm lazy-what do you say (= what is your opinion)? * [V(that)] I can't say I blame her for resigning (= I think she was right). * I say (= suggest) we go without them. * I wouldn't say they were rich (= in my opinion they are not rich). * That's not to say it's a bad movie (= it is good but it is not without faults). * [Vwh-] It's hard to say what caused the accident. * [V] 'When will it be finished?' 'I couldn't say (= I don't know).' give example 4 [nopassive] to suggest or give sth as an example or a possibility: [VN] You could learn the basics in, let's say, three months. * Let's take any writer, say (= for example) Dickens... * [V(that)] Say you lose your job: what would you do then? show thoughts / feelings 5 [VN] ~ sth (to sb) to make thoughts, feelings, etc. clear to sb by using words, looks, movements, etc: His angry glance said it all. * That says it all really, doesn't it? (= it shows clearly what is true) * Just what is the artist trying to say in her work? give written information 6 [nopassive] (of sth that is written or can be seen) to give particular information or instructions: [Vspeech] The notice said 'Keep Out'. * [VN] The clock said three o'clock. * [V(that)] The instructions say (that) we should leave it to set for four hours. * [Vwh-] The book doesn't say where he was born. * [Vtoinf] The guidebook says to turn left. IDIOMS before you can say Jack Robinson (old-fashioned) very quickly; in a very short time go without saying to be very obvious or easy to predict: Of course I'll help you. That goes without saying. have something, nothing, etc. to say for yourself to be ready, unwilling, etc. to talk or give your views on sth: She doesn't have much to say for herself (= doesn't take part in conversation). * He had plenty to say for himself (= he had a lot of opinions and was willing to talk). * Late again-what have you got to say for yourself (= what is your excuse)? I'll say! (old-fashioned, spoken) used to say 'yes' in a very forceful way: 'Does she see him often?' 'I'll say! Nearly every day.' I must say (spoken) used to emphasize an opinion: Well, I must say, that's the funniest thing I've heard all week. I say (old-fashioned, BrE, spoken) 1 used to express surprise, shock, etc: I say! What a huge cake! 2 used to attract sb's attention or introduce a new subject of conversation: I say, can you lend me five pounds? it says a lot, very little, etc. for sb/sth (informal) it shows a good/bad quality that sb/sth has: It says a lot for her that she never lost her temper. * It didn't say much for their efficiency that the order arrived a week late. I wouldn't say no (to sth) (spoken) used to say that you would like sth or to accept sth that is offered: I wouldn't say no to a pizza. * 'Tea, Brian?' 'I wouldn't say no.' least said soonest mended (BrE, saying) a bad situation will pass or be forgotten most quickly if nothing more is said about it the less / least said the better the best thing to do is say as little as possible about sth never say die (saying) do not stop hoping not say boo to a goose (BrE) (AmE not say boo to anyone) to be very shy or gentle: He's so nervous he wouldn't say boo to a goose. not to say used to introduce a stronger way of describing sth: a difficult, not to say impossible, task say cheese used to ask sb to smile before you take their photograph say no (to sth) to refuse an offer, a suggestion, etc: If you don't invest in this, you're saying no to a potential fortune. say no more (spoken) used to say that you understand exactly what sb means or is trying to say, so it is unnecessary to say anything more: 'They went to Paris together.' 'Say no more!' say your piece to say exactly what you feel or think say what? (AmE, spoken) used to express surprise at what sb has just said: 'He's getting married.' 'Say what?' say when used to ask sb to tell you when you should stop pouring a drink or serving food for them because they have enough that is to say in other words: three days from now, that is to say on Friday that's not saying much used to say that sth is not very unusual or special: She's a better player than me, but that's not saying much (= because I am a very bad player). there's no saying used to say that it is impossible to predict what might happen: There's no saying how he'll react. there's something, not much, etc. to be said for sth / doing sth there are/are not good reasons for doing sth, believing sth or agreeing with sth to say the least without exaggerating at all: I was surprised, to say the least. to say nothing of sth used to introduce a further fact or thing in addition to those already mentioned SYNNOTTOMENTION: It was too expensive, to say nothing of the time it wasted. well said! (spoken) I agree completely: 'We must stand up for ourselves.' 'Well said, John.' what do / would you say (to sth / doing sth) (spoken) would you like sth/to do sth?: What do you say to eating out tonight? * Let's go away for a weekend. What do you say? what / whatever sb says, goes (informal, often humorous) a particular person must be obeyed: Sarah wanted the kitchen painted green, and what she says, goes. whatever you say (spoken) used to agree to sb's suggestion because you do not want to argue when all is said and done when everything is considered: I know you're upset, but when all's said and done it isn't exactly a disaster. who can say (...)? (spoken) used to say that nobody knows the answer to a question: Who can say what will happen next year? who says (...)? (spoken) used to disagree with a statement or an opinion: Who says I can't do it? who's to say (...)? (spoken) used to say that sth might happen or might have happened in a particular way, because nobody really knows: Who's to say we would not have succeeded if we'd had more time? you can say that again (spoken) I agree with you completely: 'He's in a bad mood today.' 'You can say that again!' you can't say fairer (than that) (BrE, spoken) used to say that you think the offer you are making is reasonable or generous: Look, I'll give you ｣100 for it. I can't say fairer than that. you don't say! (spoken, often ironic) used to express surprise: 'They left without us.' 'You don't say!' (= I'm not surprised) you said it! (spoken) 1 (BrE) used to agree with sb when they say sth about themselves that you would not have been rude enough to say yourself: 'I know I'm not the world's greatest cook.' 'You said it!' 2 (AmE) used to agree with sb's suggestion moreatDAREv., EASYadj., ENOUGHpron., GLAD, LETv., MEANv., MINDv., NEEDLESS, RECORDn., SOON, SORRYadj., SUFFICE, WORDn. noun [sing.,U] ~ (in sth) the right to influence sth by giving your opinion before a decision is made: We had no say in the decision to sell the company. * People want a greater say in local government. * The judge has the final say on the sentence. IDIOMS have your say (informal) to have the opportunity to express yourself fully about sth: She won't be happy until she's had her say. seealsoSAYYOURPIECE exclamation (AmE, informal) 1 used for showing surprise or pleasure: Say, that's a nice haircut! 2 used for attracting sb's attention or for making a suggestion or comment: Say, how about going to a movie tonight? ______________________________ WHICHWORD? say / tell Say never has a person as the object. You say something or say something to somebody. Say is often used when you are giving somebody's exact words: 'Sit down', she said. * Anne said, 'I'm tired.' * Anne said (that) she was tired. * What did he say to you? You cannot use 'say about', but you can say something about: I want to say something /a few words / a little about my family. Say can also be used with a clause when the person you are talking to is not mentioned: She didn't say what she intended to do. Tell usually has a person as the object and often has two objects: Have you told him the news yet? It is often used with 'that' clauses: Anne told me (that) she was tired. Tell is usually when somebody is giving facts or information, often with what, where, etc.: Can you tell me when the movie starts? (BUT: Can you give me some information about the school?) Tell is also used when you are giving somebody instructions: The doctor told me to stay in bed. * The doctor told me (that) I had to stay in bed. OR The doctor said (that) I had to stay in bed. NOT _T_h_e_ _d_o_c_t_o_r_ _s_a_i_d_ _m_e_ _t_o_ _s_t_a_y_ _i_n_ _b_e_d. ______________________________