# reason with

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/reason-with
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To convince (someone) to do (or not do) something using rational arguments; to get (someone) to view something rationally.

## Examples

- It is hard to reason with him when he is angry.
- She tried to reason with her brother, explaining that spending all his savings on a car was a bad idea.
- Despite her best efforts to reason with the board members, they remained committed to the original, flawed strategy regardless of the mounting evidence against it.

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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.