🎤 You Said a Mouthful: Decoding Common Clichés and Colloquialisms 💬
Definition
You said a mouthful – An expression used to agree with someone who has made a significant or particularly truthful statement.
Origins
This American colloquialism dates from the early 1900s. Dorothy Parker elegantly employed this turn of phrase in her “Life” piece (Feb. 3, 1921), proclaiming, “‘You said a mouthful.’ I confess.”
Synonyms
- You’ve hit the nail on the head.
- That’s the gospel truth.
- Spot on!
- Preach!
Antonyms
- You’ve missed the mark.
- That’s a load of baloney.
- Far from it!
Humor-Filled Quotes and References
- “You said a mouthful! Now, can you say it with less snark?” — Unknown
- “Every time someone says, ‘You said a mouthful’, I worry about portion sizes.” — Comic Relief
Related Expressions and Proverbs
- Straight from the horse’s mouth: Directly from the source.
- Call a spade a spade: To speak the truth, even if it’s blunt.
- Truth be told: To admit the truth.
Literature and Media References
- The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler: “You said a mouthful, pal.”
- Dead Poets Society: “Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary.”
- The movie When Harry Met Sally…: “You’re right. You’re absolutely right. And I don’t think I’m ever going to have to know the rest of his already and all.”
Songs
- “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” by Green Day: “Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me. ‘Til then, I walk alone.”
- “You Said a Mouthful” by Stone Temple Pilots: Dive into this 90s classic to hear a rock-infused interpretation of saying quite a lot.
Quizzes
### Which of these is a real idiom?
- [x] You said a mouthful
- [ ] Talking in dolphin speak
- [ ] Painting with chicken feathers
- [ ] Running on soup
> **Explanation:** "You said a mouthful" is a commonly known idiom, signaling agreement or acknowledgement of a truthful insight. The others are whimsically nonsensical concoctions.
---
### Which phrase is genuine?
- [ ] Shouting at moonbeams
- [x] You said a mouthful
- [ ] Swimming with textbooks
- [ ] Eating a rainbow sandwich
> **Explanation:** "You said a mouthful" is an actual idiom, referring to someone making a significant or particularly insightful remark. The other options are more suited for a Lewis Carroll novel.
---
### True or False: 'You said a mouthful' is an idiom
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True! This idiom signifies someone has articulated a profound truth.
Thought-Provoking Farewell 🌟
“Words are powerful tools. Use them wisely, for a simple expression can shape minds and touch hearts.”
Yours linguistically, Lexi Quip
Published on October 2, 2023
