Explaining "It goes without saying"

Reviewed and edited by

Lloyd Cooper 01/10/2024, 21:34

English.me team member

What does it mean?

The phrase "It goes without saying" is used to indicate that something is so obvious that it doesn't need to be mentioned.

The tone is typically straightforward and implies a common understanding.

The phrase has been used in English since at least the mid-19th century; it likely translates a French expression "cela va sans dire."

It goes without saying that you should apologize if you hurt someone's feelings.
It goes without saying that you need to lock all the doors before leaving the house.