saying

American  

[sey-ing] / ˈseɪ ɪŋ /

noun

1. something said, especially a proverb or apothegm.

   Synonyms:

   aphorism, saw, adage, maxim

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idioms

1. go without saying, to be completely self-evident; be understood.

   It goes without saying that you are welcome to visit us at any time.

saying British  

/ ˈseɪɪŋ /

noun

1. a maxim, adage, or proverb

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Etymology

Origin of saying

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English (gerund); see say ¹, -ing ¹

Explanation

A short, common, and easy-to-remember phrase is a saying. When class ends right before your turn to give a speech, you might use the saying, "Saved by the bell!" A saying is basically the same as an aphorism, an adage, or a proverb, usually offering some kind of wisdom. If you accidentally break your sister's favorite teacup, you might think of the saying "To err is human, to forgive divine," which means that everyone makes mistakes but only truly remarkable people are able to forgive these mistakes. You should probably also remind yourself of the saying, "Honesty is the best policy."

Example Sentences

I want to be careful about what I’m not saying: I am not saying private credit is the next subprime market, which imploded in 2008.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 2026

“He was put in a position he was not ready for, and that was exciting for me. The whole time I was filming, I was saying to myself, ‘This man should not be here.’

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

As a senior official who recently left put it, “They keep saying we can do it all even though they have half an arm now, and no legs.”

From Salon • Apr. 22, 2026

Rowett said he could "understand the frustration" of fans, saying it is "incredibly extreme" to win the Premier League 10 years ago to "then have this low".

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

Mr. Keating ran a hand around the back of his neck, saying, “And I thought I’d seen everything.”

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck

Related Words

• saw
• statement