English idiom

go without saying

Register · Neutral CEFR B2

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Figurative meaning

to be so obvious that it does not need to be stated

Why this phrase?

The statement is imagined as able to pass without being spoken because everyone already accepts it.

Example

“It goes without saying that you should lock the door at night.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

brain power

intelligence or mental ability used to think and solve problems

off the top of one's head

from memory, without checking or thinking carefully

spring to mind

to come into your thoughts suddenly and easily

stand to reason

to be logical or obvious

beg the question

to make one naturally want to ask a particular question; (formally) to assume the very point being argued

by the same token

for the same or a closely related reason

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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