say cheese
To smile for a photograph by saying the word "cheese" (the vowel of which, when pronounced as is usual in English, forces a somewhat smile-shaped mouth).
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The photographer says, 'Say cheese!' and everyone smiles.”
“At the wedding, the photographer asked the family to say cheese for the group photo.”
“Though her heart was heavy, she forced herself to say cheese for the camera, not wanting to spoil her daughter's birthday album with tears.”
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a little bit of bread and no cheese
Used to represent the song of the yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella).
- 02
big cheese
A very important figure, especially a high-ranking person in an organization.
- 03
chalk and cheese
Said of things that are very different, though possibly superficially alike.
- 04
cheese tax
A portion of cheese given to a domestic animal such as a dog or cat, usually when the cheese is being brought out or prepared for human consumption.
- 05
cheesed off
Annoyed, upset, angry.
- 06
cock cheese
Smegma or dried semen on the glans penis, usually underneath the foreskin.
- 07
cut the cheese
To fart loudly.
- 08
do exactly what it says on the tin
To do what is described or what one would expect, with no further explanation needed.
Last updated August 10, 2026