# be attributed to sb

idiom · CEFR C1

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/be-attributed-to-sb
Updated: 2026-04-22

## Meaning

to say or believe that someone is the creator or cause of something.

## Examples

- This beautiful painting is attributed to a famous artist.
- Many of the most popular quotes on the internet are incorrectly attributed to people who never actually said them.
- The sudden shift in the company's financial strategy is widely attributed to the new director, whose reputation for aggressive growth precedes him.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.