take someone’s word for it: Idiom Meaning and Origin

What does ‘take someone's word for it’ mean?

The idiom "take someone's word for it" means to believe or trust what someone says without requiring further proof or evidence.

Idiom Explorer

Trusting Without Proof

The idiom "take someone's word for it" is commonly used in English to mean believing what someone says without questioning or doubting it.

This idiom is closely related to other idioms such as "take on faith", "take something as read", "my word", "take for granted", and "take someone's part".

"Taking someone's word for it" is similar to "taking something on faith" because both phrases involve believing something without evidence or proof.

"Take something as read" is another idiom that is related to "taking someone's word for it". It means accepting something as true or accurate without needing further confirmation.

The phrase "my word" is also similar to "taking someone's word for it" as it refers to trusting what someone says and considering it reliable and true.

"Taking someone's word for it" can also be compared to "taking something or someone for granted", which means not appreciating or valuing something or someone enough and assuming they will always be there.

Lastly, "taking someone's part" is another related idiom, which means supporting or defending someone in an argument or dispute based on their statements or perspective.

I accepted his assurance without any hesitation.

The idiom "take someone's word for it" is useful in situations where we need to rely on someone else's knowledge, experience, or judgment. It allows us to accept information without further verification.

By using this idiom, we can save time and effort that would otherwise be spent on researching or investigating the truthfulness of the information.

However, it is important to note that blindly "taking someone's word for it" can also pose risks. If the person's word is not reliable or trustworthy, we may end up accepting false or inaccurate information.

Therefore, it is essential to consider the credibility and trustworthiness of the person before blindly accepting their word.

Using the idiom "take someone's word for it" implies a certain level of trust and respect in the relationship between two individuals. It suggests that there is a mutual understanding and confidence that allows one person to rely on the other's word without skepticism.

This idiom is commonly used in professional and formal settings, as well as in informal conversations.

It is worth noting that "take someone's word for it" is a figurative expression that does not have a literal meaning. It is a linguistic device used to convey the act of trusting and believing someone without questioning or doubting them.

Overall, "take someone's word for it" is an idiomatic expression that is widely used in English. Understanding its meaning and implications can help facilitate effective communication and build trust in interpersonal relationships.

Example usage

Examples:

  1. He said it was the best pizza in town, so I took his word for it and ordered a large.
  2. My friend told me the movie was amazing, but I didn't take her word for it and decided to watch it myself.
  3. The salesperson claimed the product was of high quality, but I took his word for it with a grain of salt and decided to do some research before buying.

More "Trusting" idioms

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