Say What You Mean and Mean What You Say – Meaning & Origin

If you want to demand that people are candid with their words and consistent with their actions, nail them with this idiom.

“Say what you mean and mean what you say” is not only a phrase that sounds great; it carries exceptional weight too! Let’s talk about it.

Say What You Mean and Mean What You Say – Meaning

“Say what you mean and mean what you say” is a popular idiom. It implores the listener not to mince words, and to take their commitments seriously. “Say what you mean” means to say what you really intend. “Mean what you say” means to follow through with your stated intentions.

Say What You Mean and Mean What You Say meaning

You may have seen this phrase used in fantastical novels, where things are not as they seem. In the world of literature, people are often purposefully mysterious and unclear. They speak in riddles and avoid straight answers.

My uncle, who works at a law firm, is like that too.

So, the phrase “say what you mean” essentially demands that you are clear about your intentions and beliefs. Do not try to sugarcoat your words or deflect from the issue. It essentially urges you to be truthful.

The second part of this saying – “mean what you say” – basically asks you to follow through with the things you say. In other words, make your actions and your words consistent. Once again, it demands that you are truthful, and exhibit this by your actions.

How to Use “Say What You Mean and Mean What You Say” in a Sentence

The phrase “say what you mean and mean what you say” is a sentence in and of itself. It can be written as a stand-alone declaration or can contribute to a broader statement. Here are some examples:

  • In this line of work, it’s important to always say what you mean and mean what you say.
  • I wish you would just say what you mean and mean what you say!
  • All I ask is that you say what you mean and mean what you say, yet you always respond in riddles.
  • I keep being asked to say what I mean and mean what I say but, truthfully, I don’t know what I mean, nor how to say it!
  • Say what you mean and mean what you say, as the truth will always set you free.

Say What You Mean and Mean What You Say – Origin

There appears to be no consensus on the origins of this phrase, and we are not sure who said it first. Some have reasoned that it derives from one of the ten commandments in the Bible: “Thou Shalt Not Lie”.

It certainly expresses the same conviction as this commandment. If one says what they mean, it means that they are speaking candidly. If they mean what they say, it means they truly believe what they’re saying.

Wherever it comes from, it is a sentiment that has been expressed by many famous authors, including the renowned Dr. Seuss. Its overall message remains relevant.

  • “Then you should say what you mean,” the March Hare went on. “I do,” Alice hastily replied; “at least — at least I mean what I say — that’s the same thing, you know.” “Not the same thing a bit!” said the Hatter. “You might just as well say that “I see what I eat” is the same thing as “I eat what I see!” (From Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll)

Say What You Mean and Mean What You Say – Synonyms

Here are some examples of other idioms that call for the truth:

  • Honesty is the best policy
  • Come clean
  • Spill your guts
  • Spill the beans
  • Speak truth to power

Phrases That Mean the Opposite of “Say What You Mean and Mean What You Say”

“Say what you mean and mean what you say” typically demands honesty and candidness from the listener. Some phrases that might be an antithesis to this are phrases that call for dishonesty. Here are some examples:

  • Lie through your teeth
  • Take [them] for a ride
  • Stretch the truth
  • Bend the facts
  • Be economical with the truth
  • Pull the wool over [their] eyes

Can you think of any others?

Incorrect Ways to Use “Say What You Mean and Mean What You Say”

It would be incorrect to use this phrase if you would rather the listener not be honest at that moment. If you would like them to sugarcoat the truth, you may employ one of the antonyms above.

Remember that “mean”, in this context, speaks to intention and is not the synonym for “rude”.

In What Situations Can You Use “Say What You Mean and Mean What You Say”?

It is appropriate to use the phrase “say what you mean and mean what you say” if you are imploring someone to speak the truth and be candid about their intentions. It’s also appropriate if you want them to prove their intent through their actions.

  • “Say what you mean and act how you feel, because those who matter don’t mind, and those who mind don’t matter.” (Dr. Seuss)

There are many occasions that would warrant the use of this idiom use.

For example, if someone trying to hint at something, but beating around the bush, you might demand that they say what they mean.

  • “I’m just not sure if green is your color,” he muttered, his eyes trailing up her physique.
    “Say what you mean,” she sighed. “Fine. That’s the ugliest dress I’ve ever laid eyes on,” he admitted.

If someone says one thing but acts in a way that is completely contradictory, they clearly didn’t mean what they said.

  • “You promised to donate all the money, but our records suggest that you spent it on yourself. You clearly don’t mean what you say when you make these grand promises.”

The saying may be used together when someone is being, well, a non-committal hypocrite.

  • “Stop deflecting from the subject! Say what you mean and mean what you say!”