You can say that again

Meaning

"You can say that again" is an idiomatic expression used to indicate agreement or confirmation of what someone has just said. It expresses the idea that what someone has said is true or accurate, and that it was something that could be repeated without question.

Usage

This idiom can be used in a variety of contexts, such as when someone has made an observation that you agree with or when they have made a complaint that you understand and sympathize with. It can also be used to express surprise or astonishment at something that someone has said or done, especially if you didn't expect it.

• "I had no idea he was going to cheat on me, but wow, what an idiot." (agreement)
• "I can't believe she just walked out on us without saying a word." (surprise)
• "He always complains about his boss, but you can say that again, I know how he is." (sympathy)
• "She said it perfectly, that's exactly what happened." (confirmation)
• "I don't think I've ever seen him so angry before, it's clear something really upset him." (surprise)

Roots and History

The origin of this idiom is uncertain, but there are a few theories. One theory suggests that it comes from the phrase "it's true enough to be repeated," which would indicate that something was accurate or reliable and could be repeated without question. Another theory suggests that it comes from the phrase "that's what they said" or "that's what he said," both of which were common expressions used in the past to express agreement or confirmation with what someone else had said.

Synonyms in English

• "That's true",
• "Absolutely",
• "Definitely"

Synonyms in other languages

• French: "Ceci est vrai" (This is true)
• Spanish: "Está bien dicho" (It is well said)
• Italian: "Tutto ciò è vero" (All of this is true)
• German: "Das ist richtig" (That's correct)

Similar Idioms

• your guess is as good as mine

• year dot

• you can’t win them all