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

Spirit had announced on February 24 an "agreement in principle" to restructure its debt with creditors, saying it expected to emerge from bankruptcy by early summer.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

Nath's family has expressed similar concerns, saying they were considering legal options over the acquittals and hoped for government support.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

Higgins shared her excitement in a video on Instagram, saying, “Please pray for me.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

This isn’t only humanitarian restraint; it’s the construction of a “golden bridge” across which a crippled leadership can eventually retreat while saying all hasn’t been lost.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 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