speak for

verb

1. to speak as a representative of (other people)

2. to be so evident that no further comment is necessary

3. informal,  (used as an imperative) do not presume that other people agree with you

Idioms and Phrases

Intercede for, recommend, as in He spoke for the young applicant, commending her honesty . [c. 1300]

Express the views of, as in I can't speak for my husband but I'd love to accept , or I don't care what Harry thinks—Speak for yourself, Joe . [c. 1300]

speak for itself . Be significant or self-evident, as in They haven't called us in months, and that speaks for itself . [Second half of 1700s]

spoken for . Ordered, engaged, or reserved, as in This lot of rugs is already spoken for , or Is this dance spoken for? This usage comes from the older verb, bespeak , meaning “to order.” [Late 1600s]

Example Sentences

“And the track record speaks for itself. He’s one of the best throughout the history of the postseason.”

From Los Angeles Times

"This moment, this atmosphere speaks for itself. There's a lot of memories here tonight," Blanchett told AFP.

From BBC

The standings spoke for themselves, but the Angels’ management wanted you to know they had comprehended the lesson.

From Los Angeles Times

Playing football has helped Miller become more vocal but his performances are speaking for him.

From Los Angeles Times

Victor Kattan, who speaks for the petitioners, said the government had a responsibility to acknowledge what took place "to advance understanding and knowledge" about its past.

From BBC

Related Words

• advance 
• advertise 
• advocate 
• benefit 
• bolster 
• boost 
• build up 
• cooperate 
• develop 
• encourage 
• endorse 
• further 
• improve 
• popularize 
• publicize 
• push 
• push for www.thesaurus.com
• sell 
• soft sell 
• speed