# what can I tell you

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/what-can-i-tell-you
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Synonym of what can I say.

## Examples

- The train is late again, but what can I tell you?
- 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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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.