You can say that again
/juː kæn seɪ ðæt əˈɡɛn/
Definition
The meaning: You can say that again is an idiomatic expression used to strongly agree with what someone has just said, emphasizing that it is completely true or obvious.
La signification: Cette expression idiomatique est utilisée pour exprimer un fort accord avec ce que quelqu'un vient de dire, soulignant que c'est entièrement vrai ou évident.
Note: This phrase is often used informally in conversation to reinforce agreement with a statement. It does not literally mean that the speaker should repeat their words.
Word Analysis
French synonyms
» Tu l'as dit
» C'est clair
» On ne peut pas mieux dire
» Je te le fais pas dire
» Tout à fait
[A: Il fait très chaud aujourd'hui ! — B: Tu l'as dit !]
English synonyms
» Absolutely
» No kidding
» That’s for sure
» You bet
» Tell me about it
[A: This traffic is terrible! — B: You can say that again.]
Example Dialogue
Mothusi: "The meeting today was so long and exhausting."
Tsebo: "You can say that again—I could barely keep my eyes open by the end."
Mothusi: "I know, right? It felt like it would never end."
Tsebo: "Absolutely, some meetings just drag on forever."
Etymology
Origin: The phrase "you can say that again" is an idiomatic expression that originated in the early 20th century. It is used to emphatically agree with someone's statement, often implying that the statement is so true or relatable that it bears repeating. The phrase is a playful way to show strong agreement without literally asking the person to repeat themselves.
Audience
The phrase "you can say that again" is informal and is typically used in casual conversations to express strong agreement. It is often used in friendly or familiar settings where the tone is relaxed.
When to use: Use this phrase in informal contexts when you want to emphatically agree with someone. For example: "This weather is unbearable!" — "You can say that again!" It is not suitable for formal or professional settings, as it may come across as too casual.
Dictionary Meaning
Wiktionary says the expression is "idiomatic, in response to another person," and means "That is very true." Here's my example of use:
A: "This food is terrible."
B: "You can say that again! Yuck!"
News Snippet
"He doesn’t say it, but we know what he is talking about: all those weird appointments of people who had transparently no clue about the situations into which they were suddenly and outlandishly thrust. What Meyer does say is that the 'PPGI is about recovering from a bad situation.' You can say that again. And he probably will."
Read the full article at The Daily Maverick
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Common Idioms and Expressions
You can say that again: Used to emphatically agree with someone's statement.
Example: "This weather is unbearable!" "You can say that again!"
Tell me about it: Expressing strong agreement, often with a sense of shared frustration or understanding.
Example: "This project is so stressful." "Tell me about it—I’ve been working late every night."
Absolutely: A direct and emphatic way to agree with someone.
Example: "This is the best cake I’ve ever had." "Absolutely!"
No doubt about it: Used to express complete agreement or certainty.
Example: "She’s the best candidate for the job." "No doubt about it."
I couldn’t agree more: A formal way to express strong agreement.
Example: "We need to focus on sustainability." "I couldn’t agree more."
That’s for sure: A casual way to agree emphatically.
Example: "This traffic is terrible." "That’s for sure."
You’re telling me: Used to agree with someone, often implying that you already know or have experienced what they’re talking about.
Example: "This new policy is confusing." "You’re telling me—I’ve been struggling with it all week."
No kidding: A casual way to agree, often with a tone of surprise or emphasis.
Example: "This movie is amazing." "No kidding—it’s one of the best I’ve seen."
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