what you see is what you get
The screen image resembles the printed output.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“This software is simple because what you see is what you get.”
“The design tool is popular with beginners because what you see is what you get during the editing process.”
“By ensuring that what you see is what you get, the application eliminates the frustration of unexpected formatting changes in the final document.”
Originally a humorous allusion to a catchphrase popularized by the comedian Flip Wilson on American TV in the 1960s.
- 01
ain't what it used to was
Is not what it used to be; (expressing nostalgia).
- 02
as it gets
As it is possible to be.
- 03
been there, done that, got the T-shirt
Alternative form of been there, done that, bought the T-shirt.
- 04
can't get enough
Greatly enjoys; likes a lot.
- 05
cat got someone's tongue
Why is someone not saying anything?
- 06
come what may
In spite of anything that might happen; whatever may occur.
- 07
could not get elected dogcatcher
Said of someone, particularly a politician, who is extremely unpopular.
- 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