ENGLISH
REFERENCE

say the word

idiom
Meaning

To indicate that it is time to perform an action; to give permission.


Examples
SIMPLE

If you need help, just say the word.

CONTEXTUAL

I am ready to leave for the airport whenever you say the word.

COMPLEX

Should you require additional funding for your research, simply say the word and the committee will approve the grant.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    bad word

    A vulgar word.

  2. 02

    breathe a word

    To divulge even part of a secret (usually used with a negative).

  3. 03

    dicky

    [Cockney slang]word

  4. 04

    dirty word

    The name of a topic that a person prefers not to hear or discuss.

  5. 05

    do exactly what it says on the tin

    To do what is described or what one would expect, with no further explanation needed.

  6. 06

    easier said than done

    Easy to propose, but difficult to accomplish.

  7. 07

    empty words

    Any type of talk with little meaning; a message that seems to contain meaningful content but is actually vapid.

  8. 08

    final say

    The right to make a final decision.

Last updated April 17, 2026