you can say that again: Idiom Meaning and Origin

What does ‘you can say that again’ mean?

The idiom "you can say that again" means that someone strongly agrees with what has just been said.

Idiom Explorer

Unveiling Unspoken Agreement

The idiom "you can say that again" is often used in informal conversations and is considered a colloquial expression. It is typically used to indicate full agreement or endorsement of the sentiment being expressed. It serves as a way to affirm the speaker's strong support or alignment with a statement or opinion. The phrase is commonly used to express strong agreement with a statement or sentiment.

The origins of this idiom are unclear, and there are no definitive sources that can pinpoint its exact inception. However, it is speculated that the phrase may have originated from the practice of repeating something for emphasis or reinforcement.

For example, if someone were to say, "That movie was fantastic," another person might respond with "You can say that again!" This response conveys agreement and emphasizes the speaker's enthusiasm for the movie.

The idiom "say again" is a related phrase to "you can say that again." It is used when requesting clarification or repetition of something that was not understood or heard clearly the first time. It is a way of asking someone to repeat what they have just said in order to ensure comprehension. This phrase is commonly used in conversation or over the phone when there is a need for clarification.

Yes, yes, I completely agree.

The idiom "once again" is another related phrase to "you can say that again." It is used to indicate repetition or return to a previous state or action. It is often used when referring to something that has happened before or when emphasizing the repetition of an action or event. This phrase can be used to express frustration, surprise, or some other emotional response to a repeated occurrence.

The idiom "come again" is yet another related phrase to "you can say that again." It is used as a polite way of asking someone to repeat what they have just said. It is often used in situations where the listener did not understand or hear what was said initially and requires clarification. It can also be used as a rhetorical device to express surprise or disbelief.

The idiom "then again" is a contrasting phrase to "you can say that again." It is used to introduce an opposing or contrasting point after a previous statement has been made. It is often used to introduce an alternative perspective or to acknowledge a different viewpoint. This phrase is commonly used in discussions or debates where multiple viewpoints are being considered.

The idiom "over and over again" is a phrase that signifies repetition or a recurring action. It is often used to express frustration or annoyance with the repetition of an event or the reoccurrence of a behavior. This phrase can also convey a sense of persistence or determination in carrying out a task or action repeatedly. It is commonly used in situations where someone feels stuck or trapped in a cycle of repetition.

The idiom "say again" is used when requesting clarification or repetition of something that was not understood or heard clearly the first time. The idiom "once again" is used to indicate repetition or return to a previous state or action. The idiom "come again" is used as a polite way of asking someone to repeat what they have just said. The idiom "then again" is used to introduce an opposing or contrasting point after a previous statement has been made. The idiom "over and over again" signifies repetition or a recurring action.

The idiom "say again" is commonly used in conversations or situations where there is a need for clarification. It is a way of asking someone to repeat what they have just said in order to ensure comprehension. The idiom "once again" is often used when referring to something that has happened before or when emphasizing the repetition of an action or event. The idiom "come again" is used as a polite way of asking someone to repeat what they have just said. The idiom "then again" is commonly used in discussions or debates where multiple viewpoints are being considered. The idiom "over and over again" is often used to express frustration or annoyance with repetition or to convey a sense of persistence or determination in carrying out a task or action repeatedly.

Example usage

Examples of how the idiom "you can say that again" can be used in a sentence:

  • "Her cooking is fantastic! You can say that again."
  • "I'm so tired after working for 12 hours straight. You can say that again."
  • "He never listens to what I say. You can say that again."

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