Taking the Words Right Out of Your Mouth
Definition:
To agree with someone completely; to anticipate what someone else is about to say.
Origin and Explanation:
This vivid image was expressed as long ago as the sixteenth century. Richard Grafton used it in A Chronicle at Large (1568; published 1809): “The Pope… takying their wordes out of their mouthes, said…”
Related Terms and Similar Phrases:
- Finish someone’s sentence: To complete what another person is saying, showing a close understanding or anticipation of their thoughts.
- See eye to eye: To agree fully with someone. “We rarely see eye to eye on things.”
- On the same wavelength: A state of mutual understanding and shared perspective. “We were on the same wavelength from the start.”
Synonyms:
- Agree
- Align
- Concur
- Harmonize
Antonyms:
- Disagree
- Dissent
- Contradict
- Oppose
Humor-Filled Quote:
“Sometimes I wonder if people who finish my sentences are just tired of listening to me.” — 🕶️ Dr. Phil N. Stein
Proverbs and Expressions:
- Birds of a feather flock together: People who are similar tend to associate with each other.
- Great minds think alike: Intelligent people often have the same opinions or ideas.
- Two peas in a pod: Two people who are very similar or who are always together.
Literary and Cultural References:
- Books:
- The Complete Works of William Shakespeare - A study in classic father of many clichés.
- Songs:
- Taking the Words Right Out of My Mouth by Meat Loaf
- Poetry:
- Collected Poems by W. B. Yeats
- Movies:
- When Harry Met Sally (1989) - Famous for scenes and dialogues that reflect this cliché.
### Which phrase refers to complete agreement?
- [ ] Brewing a perfect tea together
- [ ] Cooking the same meat
- [ ] Jumping the same rain puddle
- [x] Seeing eye to eye
> **Explanation:** "Seeing eye to eye" is an idiom meaning complete agreement, acknowledging a shared standpoint or belief.
### What does "Great minds think alike" mean?
- [ ] That great cooks make the same dishes
- [x] Intelligent people often have the same opinions or ideas
- [ ] That great gardeners grow the same plants
- [ ] Wise people follow similar paths
> **Explanation:** Saying that intelligent people often come up with the same thoughts or ideas emphasizes shared genius or mutual understanding.
### True or False: 'Two peas in a pod' describes people who are always at odds
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** This idiom typically refers to two people who are strikingly similar or who get along very well, like peas perfectly snug in a pod.
Inspirational Thought-Provoking Farewell:
Whether your words are taken right out of your mouth or you find yourself finishing someone else’s sentence, remember it’s all about connection. Celebrate the shared thoughts as unified moments of understanding. 🌟
- W. T. Wittywords, Word Lover and Purveyor of Phrases
