say
verb
seɪ 
seɪ sez sez sed sed speak
1 [intransitive, transitive] to speak or tell somebody something, using words+ speech ‘Hello!’ she said.‘That was marvellous,’ said Daniel.Help
In stories the subject often comes after said, says or say when it follows the actual words spoken, unless it is a pronoun.say something Be quiet, I have something to say.I didn't believe a word she said.That's a terrible thing to say.He knew that if he wasn't back by midnight, his parents would have something to say about it (= be angry).say something to somebody She said nothing to me about it.say to somebody/yourself + speech I said to myself (= thought), ‘That can't be right!’say (that)… He said (that) his name was Sam.it is said that… It is said that she lived to be over 100.say (what, how, etc…) She finds it hard to say what she feels.‘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.’say to do something He said to meet him here.somebody/something is said to be/have something He is said to have been a brilliant scholar.repeat words
2 [transitive] say something to repeat words, phrases, etcto say a prayerTry to say that line with more conviction.express opinion
3 [transitive, intransitive] to express an opinion on somethingsay something 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)?say (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).say (what, how, etc…) It's hard to say what caused the accident.‘When will it be finished?’ ‘I couldn't say (= I don't know).’give example
4 [transitive, no passive] to suggest or give something as an example or a possibilitysay something/somebody You could learn the basics in, let's say, three months.Let's take any writer, say (= for example) Dickens…say (that)… Say you lose your job: what would you do then?show thoughts/feelings
5 [transitive] say something (to somebody) to make thoughts, feelings, etc. clear to somebody by using words, looks, movements, etcHis 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 [transitive, no passive] (of something that is written or can be seen) to give particular information or instructions+ speech The notice said ‘Keep Out’.say something The clock said three o'clock.say (that)… The instructions say (that) we should leave it to set for four hours.say where, why, etc… The book doesn't say where he was born.say to do something The guidebook says to turn left.Idioms
before you can say Jack Robinson
(old-fashioned) very quickly; in a very short timego 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 something
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)?having said that
(informal) used to introduce an opinion that makes what you have just said seem less strongI sometimes get worried in this job. Having said that, I enjoy doing it, it's a challenge.I'll say!
(old-fashioned, informal) used for emphasis to say ‘yes’‘Does she see him often?’ ‘I'll say! Nearly every day.’I must say
(informal) used to emphasize an opinionWell, I must say, that's the funniest thing I've heard all week.I say
(old-fashioned, British English, informal)1 used to express surprise, shock, etc.I say! What a huge cake!2 used to attract somebody's attention or introduce a new subject of conversationI say, can you lend me five pounds?it says a lot, very little, etc. for somebody/something
(informal) it shows a good/bad quality that somebody/something hasIt 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 something)
(informal) used to say that you would like something or to accept something that is offeredI wouldn't say no to a pizza.‘Tea, Brian?’ ‘I wouldn't say no.’least said soonest mended
(British English, saying) a bad situation will pass or be forgotten most quickly if nothing more is said about itthe less/least said the better
the best thing to do is say as little as possible about something
never say die
(saying) do not stop hopingnot say boo to a goose
(British English) (North American English not say boo to anyone) to be very shy or gentleHe's so nervous he wouldn't say boo to a goose.not to say
used to introduce a stronger way of describing something
a difficult, not to say impossible, tasksay cheese
used to ask somebody to smile before you take their photograph
say no (to something)
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
(informal) used to say that you understand exactly what somebody 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?
(North American English, informal) used to express surprise at what somebody has just said‘He's getting married.’ ‘Say what?’say when
used to ask somebody 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 Fridaythat's not saying much
used to say that something 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).that said
used to introduce an opinion that makes what you have just said seem less strong
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 something/doing something
there are/are not good reasons for doing something, believing something or agreeing with something
to say the least
without exaggerating at all
I was surprised, to say the least.to say nothing of something
used to introduce a further fact or thing in addition to those already mentioned
Synonym
not to mentionIt was too expensive, to say nothing of the time it wasted.well said!
(informal) I agree completely‘We must stand up for ourselves.’ ‘Well said, John.’what do/would you say (to something/doing something)
(informal) would you like something/to do something?What do you say to eating out tonight?Let's go away for a weekend. What do you say?what/whatever somebody says, goes
(informal, often humorous) a particular person must be obeyedSarah wanted the kitchen painted green, and what she says, goes.whatever you say
(informal) used to agree to somebody's suggestion because you do not want to arguewhen 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 (…)?
used to say that nobody knows the answer to a question
Who can say what will happen next year?who says (…)?
(informal) used to disagree with a statement or an opinionWho says I can't do it?who's to say (…)?
used to say that something 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
(informal) I agree with you completely‘He's in a bad mood today.’ ‘You can say that again!’you can't say fairer (than that)
(British English, informal) used to say that you think the offer you are making is reasonable or generousLook, I'll give you £100 for it. I can't say fairer than that.you don't say!
(informal, often ironic) used to express surprise‘They left without us.’ ‘You don't say!’ (= I'm not surprised)you said it!
(informal)1 (British English) used to agree with somebody when they say something 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 (North American English) used to agree with somebody's suggestion
Usage note: say / tellSay 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 say something about is correct: 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 used 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 The doctor said me to stay in bed.