verb
/ˈseɪ/ says /ˈsɛz/; said /ˈsɛd/; saying /ˈsejɪŋ/
to use your voice to express (something) with words [+ obj]
[+ obj] :to express (an opinion)
to express (a fact) with certainty [+ obj]
This sense is often used in indirect questions beginning with who to express disagreement or to say that something cannot be known for sure.
to give (an order) :to tell someone to do (something) [+ obj]
[+ obj] :to pronounce (a word)
[+ obj] :to repeat or recite (something)
[+ obj] :to use written words to give (information)
[+ obj] :to show or indicate (something) by using numbers, pictures, etc.
[+ obj] :to express (a meaning, emotion, etc.) without using words
a - used to suggest an example or possibility
b - used to suggest a possible or approximate amount, value, etc.
can't say fairer than that
Brit informal - used to say that you cannot make a better offer than the one you have made
enough said
fair to say
go without saying
to be obvious and true
hasten to say
have anything/something (etc.) to say about
to have an opinion to express about (something)
to have the ability to influence (something)
have something/nothing/much (etc.) to say for yourself
to be able or unable to say something that explains what you are doing, have done, etc.
having said that
or that said
despite what I just said
I dare say
if I may say so
also if I might say so - used to express criticism or disagreement in a polite way
if I say so myself
used when you are saying something that praises your own work, skill, etc.
I hear what you're saying
I'll say
informal - used to indicate that you completely agree with something just said
I say
Brit old-fashioned
used to express surprise, shock, etc.
used to attract the attention of someone
needless to say
never say die
never say never
not to say
used to introduce a more forceful or critical way of describing someone or something
say cheese
say no
to say that you will not accept or agree to something
say something/little/a lot (etc.) for
to show that (someone or something) does or does not deserve to be praised, admired, etc.
say the word
say what
US informal - used to express surprise at what someone has just said
say yes
to say that you accept or agree to something - often + to
say your piece
suffice (it) to say
that is to say
that said
see having said that (above)
that's not saying much
used to indicate that a fact, achievement, etc., is not unusual or impressive
there is something/a lot/much (etc.) to be said for
used to indicate that something has advantages which deserve to be considered when you are thinking about what to do
to say nothing of
used when referring to another thing that relates to what you have just said
to say the least
when all is said and done
you can say that again
informal - used to indicate that you completely agree with something just said
you don't say
used to express surprise
you might say
used to suggest a possible way of describing or thinking about something
you said it
informal - used to indicate that you completely agree with something just said
noun
[singular] :an opportunity to express your opinion
the power to decide or help decide something [singular]
usually + in
interjection
chiefly US informal
used to express surprise, shock, etc.
used to attract the attention of someone