English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Stands to reason
Meaning
The idiom "stands to reason" means that something is logical or reasonable based on the given information or circumstances. It suggests that there is a clear and rational explanation for a certain situation.
Usage
- "Given the evidence, it stands to reason that the company should fire the employee."
- "I don't see why we can't get along. It stands to reason that people of different backgrounds can work together effectively."
- "The doctor diagnosed the patient with a rare disease. It stands to reason that they should undergo further testing."
- "If you don't understand the problem, it stands to reason that you shouldn't try to solve it."
- "It seems strange that we can't find any solution to this problem. It stands to reason that we need to think outside the box." The usage of this idiom can vary depending on the context. For example, it can be used in a formal business setting or in a casual conversation with friends.
Roots and History
The phrase "stands to reason" has its roots in classical logic. In ancient Greek philosophy, reasoning was seen as a way of understanding the world around us. The phrase comes from the idea that if something is true and logical, then it must be true regardless of any other factors. This idiom has been used in English since at least the 17th century, with its earliest recorded use appearing in a collection of proverbs in 1670.
Synonyms in English
- It makes sense
- There's no doubt about it
- It's obvious
- It's clear as day
- There's nothing iffy about it
Synonyms in other languages
- Spanish: "Es lógico" - This means "it is logical" and suggests that something is reasonable based on the given information or circumstances.
- French: "Ce fait bien du sens" - This translates to "it makes sense" and implies that there is a clear and rational explanation for a certain situation.
- German: "Es stellt sicher, dass..." - This means "it stands to reason that..." and suggests that something is likely to happen due to the given information or circumstances.