what do you say: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘what do you say’ mean?
The idiom "what do you say" is a rhetorical question used to ask for someone's opinion or approval on a matter. It is a way of inviting the listener to express their agreement, disagreement, or suggestion.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "wouldn't you say" is often used to seek agreement or confirmation from others about one's statement or opinion.
The idiom "who are you telling" is used to acknowledge someone's statement by expressing agreement or understanding of the information they have shared.
The idiom "what's what" means to understand or know the important or essential information about a subject or situation.
The idiom "what's the matter" is used to ask someone what is wrong or bothering them.
The idiom "what's the good of" is used to question the practical value or usefulness of something. It expresses a doubt or skepticism about the benefits or advantages of a particular action or situation.
The idiom "what's the difference" is used to express indifference or to question the importance or significance between two choices or options.
The idiom "what's the difference" is a commonly used phrase in the English language. It asks about the distinctions between two or more things. The question prompts further analysis and discussion to explore the dissimilarities or divergences between the elements at hand.
The idiom "what's the beef" is often used to ask someone the reason for their complaint or dissatisfaction. It originates from the notion of a customer questioning the quality or quantity of meat they were served.
The idiom "what someone said" refers to the exact words or statements expressed by a person. It emphasizes the importance of accurately conveying someone's speech or quoting them directly.
The idiom "what's new" is used as a casual way of asking for the latest or most recent information or updates about someone or something.
Deciphering the Inquiry
The idiom "what do you say" is a commonly used phrase in American English. It is often used to make a suggestion or request, or to ask for someone's opinion or agreement. The idiom is informal and typically used in casual conversations or friendly interactions. It conveys a sense of seeking approval or agreement from the listener.
The literal meaning of the idiom is asking for someone's response or reaction. It is a rhetorical question used to prompt a verbal or nonverbal reply. The phrase is flexible and can be used in various contexts, allowing the speaker to seek approval, agreement, or consent in a lighthearted manner.
Often, the idiom is used when making plans or inviting someone to join an activity. For example, if someone suggests going out for dinner, they might say, "What do you say we grab some pizza?" In this case, the speaker is seeking the listener's agreement to the proposed plan.
The idiom can also be used to ask for someone's opinion or advice. For instance, if someone is considering buying a new car, they might ask a friend, "What do you say about this model?" In this scenario, the speaker is seeking the listener's thoughts or recommendations.
Furthermore, the idiom can be used to request a favor or assistance. For example, if someone needs help moving furniture, they might ask a neighbor, "What do you say to lending a hand?" Here, the speaker is politely asking for the listener's willingness to provide help.
The idiom "or what" is closely related to "what do you say" and is often used to introduce a hypothetical situation or consequence. It is used to suggest a possible alternative course of action or to challenge someone to consider the potential outcome of their words or actions. For example, if someone makes a statement that may have negative consequences, someone else might respond, "You could say that, or what?" In this case, the speaker is questioning the potential result of the statement and challenging the other person to reconsider their perspective.
Similarly, the idiom "wouldn't you say" is used to seek agreement or confirmation from the listener. It is often used to express the speaker's opinion or belief and to encourage the listener to acknowledge or support that viewpoint. For example, if someone makes a statement about a political issue, they might ask, "That's a good idea, wouldn't you say?" In this instance, the speaker is seeking the listener's agreement or affirmation of their opinion.
The idiomatic phrases "what do you say," "or what," and "wouldn't you say" are all used in American English to seek agreement, opinion, or confirmation from the listener. These idioms are informal and often used in casual or friendly conversations. They reflect the flexible nature of language and can be applied in various contexts to convey meaning and engage in interactive communication. Whether used to make plans, ask for opinions, or challenge ideas, these idioms serve as effective tools for expressing ideas and seeking input from others.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "what do you say" can be used in a sentence:
- What do you say we go out for dinner tonight?
- He asked, "What do you say we take a walk in the park?"
- When presented with an opportunity, she responded, "What do you say we give it a try?"
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