Ret's Weekend English Roundup ✦ Week 44, 2026

View this lesson in your browser WEEK 44 • 2026 A five-minute English lesson for your weekend THIS WEEK'S EXPRESSION Speaks volumes idiom  |  /spiːks ˈvɒljuːmz/ MEANING Speaks volumes means something reveals a great deal of information (often without words) — it shows clearly what someone is like or how they feel. En français : En dit long / En dit beaucoup. How is it used? This idiom is used when an action, choice, silence, or small detail clearly shows something important about a person or situation. The “volumes” refer to books full of information. It often appears as “speaks volumes about/for…”. Useful patterns: It speaks volumes • That speaks volumes about… • Her silence spoke volumes SEE IT IN CONTEXT 1 The fact that he didn’t even reply speaks volumes.   2 Her choice of words speaks volumes about how she really feels.   3 The empty seats at the meeting spoke volumes about staff morale. QUICK CHECK Which sentence uses speaks volumes correctly? A. He speaks volumes every morning at the office. B. Her silence speaks volumes about her disappointment. C. The book speaks volumes on the table. D. They speak volumes the news every day. Answer: B. The idiom means something reveals a lot (often without words). A, C and D misuse the expression. YOUR TURN Complete these sentences: His reaction speaks volumes about ________. The fact that ________ speaks volumes. Her silence spoke volumes. Reply to this email with your own sentence. I read every reply. Hear “Speaks volumes” in real English → Listen to several speakers. Notice the stress on vol- in volumes. EXPLORE FURTHER WordReference  •   Linguee  •   Cambridge Dictionary  •   Reverso Context Enjoyed this lesson? Share it by email  •  Subscribe Unsubscribe  •  View online © October 2026 Rethabile Masilo • Ret's Word of the Day