yeah, right: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘yeah, right’ mean?
The idiom yeah, right is used as a sarcastic response to express disbelief or skepticism towards something that has been said. It implies that the speaker does not believe what they have heard or finds it highly unlikely.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "you can't judge a book by its cover" means that you cannot predict the true nature or value of something just by its outward appearance.
The idiom "you can say that again" means that someone strongly agrees with what has just been said.
The idiom "you bet" is used as a confident and emphatic response to indicate that someone is absolutely certain or agrees with something. It is a casual way of expressing agreement or confidence.
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The idiom *yes to death* means to agree or accept something completely, without any hesitation or reservation.
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The idiom "ye gods" is an exclamation used to express surprise, shock, or disbelief. It is a way to invoke the power of ancient gods to emphasize the intensity of an emotion or reaction. It is often used humorously or in a lighthearted manner.
The idiom "yeah, yeah" is an informal expression used to dismiss someone's input or opinion as unimportant or insignificant. It can also convey impatience or annoyance with someone who is talking too much or repeating themselves.
An idiom used when someone has dialed an incorrect telephone number. It indicates a mistake or a misunderstanding in communication.
The idiom "wrong number" is a phrase commonly used in everyday conversations in the United States. It refers to mistakenly referring to someone or something that is not intended, appropriate, or expected in a given situation.
The idiom "wouldn't you say" is often used to seek agreement or confirmation from others about one's statement or opinion.
Origin Revealed
Yeah, right is an idiom used in the English language to express skepticism or disbelief towards a statement or claim that has been made. It is often used sarcastically to convey the speaker's doubt or incredulity.
The phrase yeah, right is composed of two common words with separate meanings. 'Yeah' is an informal variant of 'yes' and is used to affirm or agree with something. 'Right' is an adjective that denotes correctness or accuracy. However, when combined in the idiom yeah, right, the meaning of these words is completely altered.
Yeah, right is often used in response to a statement that the speaker finds implausible, untrue, or unlikely. It can be employed to express doubt, skepticism, or even ridicule towards the person delivering the statement.
This idiom is commonly associated with informal speech and is frequently used in everyday conversations, as well as in written language. Its usage has become widespread culturally, and it is recognized and understood by many English speakers, both in the United States and internationally.
The power of yeah, right lies in its ability to convey a sense of disbelief or skepticism in a concise and often humorous manner. It allows the speaker to express their doubt or derision towards a statement without having to articulate a lengthy explanation or argument.
One related idiom is "yeah, yeah." This phrase is used to dismiss someone's statement as unimportant or insincere. It is often used when someone is being repetitive or is exaggerating a point.
Another related idiom is "you bet." This phrase is used to express strong agreement or confirmation. It is similar in meaning to "yes, definitely" or "absolutely."
"wouldn't you say?" is another related idiom. It is used to ask for agreement or affirmation from the listener. It can be used to seek validation or to assert a point.
Similarly, "wouldn't you know" is a related idiom that is used to convey the speaker's belief that someone has knowledge or experience in a particular area. It is often used when someone's actions or statements are not surprising or unexpected.
"you can say that again" is another related idiom. It is used to express strong agreement or to indicate that the listener agrees wholeheartedly with what has been said. It is similar in meaning to "I couldn't agree more" or "that's absolutely true."
While the origins of the idiom remain somewhat elusive, the usage of yeah, right has been well-documented in contemporary sources. It has appeared in various forms of media, including literature, television shows, films, and online content.
Yeah, right is an idiom that conveys skepticism or disbelief towards a statement or claim. Its sarcastic tone and emphasis on 'right' transform the phrase into a form of mockery or incredulity. Although the exact origins of yeah, right are uncertain, its usage has become widespread and well-established in informal speech and writing. The enduring popularity of this idiom reflects its ability to succinctly express doubt or derision in a humorous and concise manner.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *yeah, right* can be used in a sentence:
- He said he would finish his work by the end of the day, *yeah, right*.
- She claimed to have won the lottery, *yeah, right*.
- They promised to fix the problem, *yeah, right*.
The idiom *yeah, right* is typically used to express skepticism or disbelief towards a statement or claim. It is often used sarcastically to indicate that the speaker does not believe what has been said. In these examples, the idiom is used to convey doubt or incredulity towards statements made by someone else.
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