🛑 Need I Say More? Avoiding the Unnecessary 🗣️
The Cliché: Unnecessary to State
This phrase, which often precedes the statement of something blatantly obvious, traces its origins back to “Nedelesse to speke” in the early sixteenth century. Modern-day formats of this beautiful redundancy include “telling it like it is” when it’s perfectly clear already.
Similar Terms and Synonyms:
- Needless to say: It’s equally clear, equally wordy.
- Goes without saying: Oh, the irony of saying it.
- It’s a foregone conclusion: Of course it is!
Antonyms:
- Necessary: There’s no arguing with this!
- Vital: Indispensable info, unlike “Unnecessary to state”.
Humorous Quotes and Proverbs:
- “If it could go without saying, maybe it should!” — Annoyed Listener
- “They say silence is golden. That’s especially true when the obvious is, well, obvious.” — The Silent Observer
- “Why use many words when few words do trick?” — Andy, Parks and Recreation
Suggested Literature and Media:
- Book: “Misery” by Stephen King — Where every unnecessary word increases the tension.
- Poem: “This Is Just To Say” by William Carlos Williams — Merging simplicity and obviousness!
- Movie: “Airplane!” — Because what’s more unnecessary than explaining jokes that explain themselves?
- Song: “Say Anything” by A Great Big World — sometimes, silence speaks louder.
Related Expressions:
- Captain Obvious: The proverbial guardian of the glaringly clear.
- Let’s state the obvious: Spoiler alert: you’re about to hear exactly what you already know!
Intriguing Fact: While often a frustration, overly explaining things can sometimes be a cultural necessity, paving the dots for clearer understanding in nuanced conversation!
Quizzes:
### Pick the redundant phrase:
- [ ] Good riddance
- [ ] On the fence
- [x] Needless to say
- [ ] Hit the sack
> **Explanation:** “Needless to say” is inherently redundant, as what follows could just as well be left unsaid.
### Identify the antonym of “needless”:
- [ ] Trivial
- [ ] Unimportant
- [ ] Mopey
- [x] Essential
> **Explanation:** “Essential” is the direct antonym of “needless”, implying necessity.
### True or False: “It goes without saying” means it’s being left unsaid.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** Ironically, “it goes without saying” is often said just before stating the obvious.
### Which works of literature explore the theme of redundancy?
- [ ] “War and Peace”
- [x] “The Elements of Style”
- [ ] “1984”
- [ ] “Moby-Dick”
> **Explanation:** "The Elements of Style" by Strunk and White emphasizes concise, clear writing, avoiding redundancy.
### Which of these expressions means the same as “Unnecessary to state”?
- [ ] An uphill battle
- [ ] Scraping the bottom of the barrel
- [ ] Between a rock and a hard place
- [x] Stating the obvious
> **Explanation:** “Stating the obvious” is another phrase often used when the statement isn’t necessary.
“Language is a living organism, and sometimes, even the apparent redundancy can bring warmth and familiarity. As you weave your words, remember: Less can often be more, but don’t let the fear of redundancy curb your tongue altogether. Finding the balance is the true art.”
— Penny Penner, October 2023
