proverb · Legacy record
Say what you mean and mean what you say.
Say what you mean and mean what you say.
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
The saying joins clear expression with sincere intention. It asks words to match what the speaker means rather than leaving a gap between the two.
What the words are saying
The reversed order links communicating accurately with standing behind the communication. A useful application can concern a specific promise or explanation. It does not require saying every private thought or prevent someone from revising a view when circumstances change.
Everyday example
Someone states exactly what they can do and explains promptly if the agreed plan needs to change.
When to use it
Use it to discuss clarity, sincerity and accountable promises.
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What it does not mean
Sincerity does not prove accuracy or require unlimited disclosure.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Historical period not yet established
No sufficiently supported historical placement has been established. Import and download dates are not treated as composition dates. - Recorded source
- Contributor-provided proverb reference
Supplied reference A; unit 89; PDF page 17
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.