go without saying

The phrase go without saying is often used in English, but what does this idiom mean? When idioms are used in the right situations, they strengthen communication and enrich the language. You can communicate more effectively by learning the meaning of go without saying.

Meaning of "go without saying"

Meaning

The phrase ‘go without saying’ is an idiomatic expression used to indicate that something is so obvious or easily understood that it need not be said. In other words, it is considered a common sense or self-evident statement. This expression is often used to provide emphasis or to draw attention to a particular point. It can also be used to convey agreement or acceptance to an idea without saying anything.

Etymology

The phrase ‘go without saying’ has been around since the 1500s but may have originated from an earlier Latin expression, “sine dicendo” which translates to “without saying”. The phrase was used in the early English language to mean the same thing it does today; something that is obvious and does not need to be stated.

Usage

The phrase ‘go without saying’ is used to emphasize a point or to express agreement without saying it. It can also be used to provide a quicker or more concise way of communicating something that is understood by the speaker, without having to go into detail about it. It is often used in a conversational context and in informal writing such as emails, texts, and social media.

Example Sentences

• It goes without saying that we must do our best to adhere to the guidelines.
• It should go without saying that you should always be respectful of others.
• We all know it goes without saying that honesty is the best policy.
• It goes without saying that customer satisfaction is our top priority.

Beyond the Literal: Figurative Language in Idioms

Idioms often use figurative language to convey a message that is not meant to be taken literally. For instance, the idiom "bite the bullet" means to endure a painful or difficult situation without complaint, while "hold your horses" means to be patient and wait. Other idioms, like "kick the bucket" or "pop your clogs," use euphemisms to talk about death.