it stands to reason

You are wondering about the meaning of the phrase it stands to reason, maybe you heard it in a TV show, movie or theater play. Although this idiom is not used very often, it enriches your capacity of expression and strengthens communication. In which case is the expression it stands to reason used and what is its meaning?

Meaning of "it stands to reason"

Meaning

The idiom “it stands to reason” is used to refer to a logical conclusion or assumption that can easily be understood. It is generally used when the conclusion requires no explanation, as it is so obvious that anyone should be able to understand it.

Etymology

The phrase “it stands to reason” dates back to the 1600s and is of British English origin. It likely originated as a variation of the phrase “it stands to be seen”, which was used to refer to a logical assumption or deduction. The word “reason” in the phrase not only refers to the logical thinking involved in a conclusion, but also to the verb meaning “to think about” or “to consider”.

Usage

The phrase “it stands to reason” is generally used to refer to an obvious conclusion that can be made from the facts at hand. It is often employed to make something sound more authoritative and emphasize the logical thought process that goes into arriving at the conclusion. It is also commonly used to make a point more forcibly in an argument. In either case, it implies that the conclusion is inescapable and requires no further explanation.

Example Sentences

• “If there is no food left in the refrigerator, it stands to reason that someone must have eaten it.”
• “It stands to reason that if you work hard, you will be rewarded for your efforts.”
• “Given the current situation, it stands to reason that we must take action.”

From One Language to Another: Idioms in Translation

Translating idioms from one language to another can be a tricky task, as the cultural context behind an idiom can be difficult to capture. For example, the French phrase "avoir le cafard" translates to "to have the cockroach," which means to feel down or depressed. Similarly, the Chinese idiom "????" (j?ng d? zh? w?) translates to "frog at the bottom of a well," which refers to someone with a narrow view of the world.