go without saying

Idioms  

1. Be self-evident, a matter of course. For example, It goes without saying that success is the product of hard work. This expression is a translation of the French cela va sans dire. [Second half of 1800s]

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Example Sentences

First, it should go without saying, but I’ll say it anyway: Every child is different.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

It should go without saying that the charter does not, under any circumstances, permit one nation to invade another to secure control over its natural resources.

From Slate • Jan. 5, 2026

"The dangers go without saying," Det Ch Insp Smith says.

From BBC • May 14, 2025

"It should go without saying, but I’ll say it anyway — this is not easy for me," he shared.

From Salon • Dec. 11, 2024

“How could I leave Poppy? And not even say goodbye to her? Not know where I’m going, or if I’m ever coming back? How could you go without saying goodbye to your father?”

From "The City of Ember" by Jeanne DuPrau