The train is late again, but what can I tell you?
what can I tell you
idiomSynonym of what can I say.
I know the weather ruined our picnic, but what can I tell you, that is life.
He shrugged his shoulders at the news of the inevitable budget cuts, sighing that, ultimately, what can I tell you, the decision was made by the board.
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a little bird told me
I received the information from a source which I am not prepared to disclose.
- 02
ain't what it used to was
Is not what it used to be; (expressing nostalgia).
- 03
all told
With everything included, counted, or summed; in total.
- 04
come what may
In spite of anything that might happen; whatever may occur.
- 05
do exactly what it says on the tin
To do what is described or what one would expect, with no further explanation needed.
- 06
do what
An intensified version of what? or huh?, expressing surprise or lack of comprehension
- 07
don't tell me
Used to introduce a guess at a fact or situation, as if forestalling the other speaker's utterance.
- 08
get what one asked for
Synonym of get what's coming to one.
Last updated April 17, 2026