to say nothing of: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘to say nothing of’ mean?
*To say nothing of* means to mention something additional or worse, in addition to what has already been mentioned.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "to speak of" means to mention or discuss a particular subject or topic. It is used to draw attention to something noteworthy or significant.
The idiom "that's saying something" is used to highlight a statement that is particularly noteworthy or impressive, often because it exceeds expectations or goes against common assumptions.
The idiom "something awful" is used to emphasize the extreme or intense nature of a situation, event, or feeling. It suggests that the thing being described is exceptionally bad, unpleasant, or severe.
An idiom widely used to refer to something insignificant or unimportant. It implies that the mentioned object or amount is of little value or significance.
The idiom "say no more" is used to convey that there is no need to provide further explanation or information, as the listener already understands the intended meaning.
"Or words to that effect" is an idiomatic phrase used to suggest that the exact words or details are uncertain or approximate, but convey a similar meaning or idea.
The idiom "or something" is used to suggest an uncertainty or vagueness. It implies that there may be additional information or options available, but the speaker is unsure or does not want to specify them.
*or else* is an idiom used to convey a consequence or alternative outcome that will occur if a specific action is not taken or a condition is not met.
Hidden Mysteries
The idiom "to say nothing of" is commonly used in the English language to introduce additional factors or points that are even more significant or noteworthy than the ones already mentioned. It emphasizes that the previously mentioned factors are only part of a larger whole, and the additional factors are of equal or greater importance. This phrase, along with its related idioms "not to mention" and "needless to say," can be used in a variety of contexts to add weight to an argument or highlight a comparison or contrast.
The phrase "to say nothing of" acknowledges that the topic being discussed is complex and that there are multiple factors to consider. It can be particularly useful when the speaker wants to draw attention to the fact that there are other important factors or considerations that need to be taken into account. By using this phrase, the speaker acknowledges that the previously mentioned factors are just the tip of the iceberg and that there are additional significant points to be made.
Not to mention, "to say nothing of" can be used in both formal and informal settings. It is often employed in discussions or arguments to emphasize the speaker's point and to add weight to their argument. For instance, one might say "The restaurant was expensive, not to mention the poor service" to emphasize that the poor service was an additional negative aspect of the experience.
Similarly, the phrase "to say nothing of" can be used to highlight a comparison or contrast between different factors. It serves as a way to introduce a point that is more significant or extreme than the one previously mentioned. Consider the example, "The weather was hot, to say nothing of the humidity," where the humidity amplifies the discomfort caused by the hot weather.
Using the idioms "not to mention" and "needless to say" in conjunction with "to say nothing of" further enhances the speaker's argument or comparison. "Not to mention" is often used to introduce an additional point that is so obvious or well-known that it doesn't need to be explicitly stated. For example, one might say "The movie was packed, not to mention the long lines" to highlight the inconvenience of the long lines without explicitly mentioning the crowded theater.
On the other hand, "needless to say" is used to introduce a point that is so evident or expected that it doesn't require further explanation. By using this phrase, the speaker implies that the point that follows is already understood or known. An example of this can be seen in the statement, "The team won the championship, needless to say," where the speaker assumes that the listener is aware of the team's victory without needing to elaborate.
The idiomatic expression "to say nothing of" is a powerful linguistic tool that allows speakers to introduce additional factors or points that are even more significant or noteworthy than the ones already mentioned. It emphasizes the complexity of a topic and highlights the importance of considering multiple factors. Paired with related idioms like "not to mention" and "needless to say," this phrase further enhances arguments, comparisons, and contrasts. With its roots tracing back to the 18th century, this idiom continues to be widely used in both formal and informal settings in the English language.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *to say nothing of* can be used in a sentence:
- To say nothing of their lack of experience, the new employees also had poor communication skills.
- She has a busy schedule, with work, school, and extracurricular activities, to say nothing of her family responsibilities.
- The car needs a new engine, new tires, and a paint job, to say nothing of the other repairs it requires.
Analysis:
The idiom "to say nothing of" is used to introduce an additional point or factor that is even more significant or troublesome than what has already been mentioned. The phrase emphasizes that the mentioned point is just one aspect or problem, and there are other factors that increase the difficulty or importance of the situation. It is often used to add weight to an existing argument or to highlight the magnitude of a situation.
In the first example, the phrase is used to emphasize that besides the employees' lack of experience, their poor communication skills are an additional concern.
In the second example, the phrase is used to emphasize that in addition to having a busy schedule with work, school, and extracurricular activities, the person also has family responsibilities which further compound their time constraints.
In the third example, the phrase is used to highlight that the car not only needs a new engine, but also new tires and a paint job. It implies that the other necessary repairs are significant and shouldn't be overlooked.
More "Conjunction" idioms
