they say
English
Phrase
they say
- It is commonly said; people in general say; a common saying is.
- They say the number 13 is unlucky.
- They said the house was haunted.
- 1633, John Ford, 'Tis Pity Shee's a Whoore, page 12:
- Take the worst with the best, there's Grimaldi the souldier, a very well-timbred fellow: they say he is a Roman, Nephew to the Duke Mount Ferratto; they say he did good service in the warrs against the Millanoys.
- 2003, The New Dimensions in Learning English, Rex Bookstore, Inc. (→ISBN), page 447:
- 1. What are some of the things they said man would never do? 2. Name some dreams once thought of as impossible but have been realized. 3. Give examples of man's achievements […]
- 2016, John A. Connell, Ruins of War, Berkley, →ISBN, page 251:
- "Let's talk about you. Why did you break up with the general?" *: "Maybe it's time I really got to know the lowly doughboy." […] *: "A cop and a reporter..." Mason rubbed his chin and feigned a thoughtful pause. "Well, they said man would never fly."
- Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see they, say.
Related terms
- you know what they say
- so they say
- word is
Translations
it is commonly said
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See also
- as the saying goes