ENGLISH
REFERENCE

be said to be sth

idiom
Meaning

people say or believe that someone or something has a certain quality, even if it is not proven. It is a formal way to report a general opinion.


Examples
SIMPLE

This old house is said to be haunted.

CONTEXTUAL

The new manager is said to be very strict, so the employees are nervous about the meeting.

COMPLEX

Although the artist never confirmed the rumors, his final masterpiece is said to be a secret tribute to his lost love.

Last updated April 22, 2026