Dictionary Home » Phrase Meanings » word

What does "word" mean?

In addition to the idioms beginning with work, also see all in a day's work; all work and no play; at work; busy work; dirty work; get down to (work); good works; gum up (the works); have one's work cut out; in the works; make short work of; many hands make light work; out of work; shoot the works; the works; turn (work) out all right.

See word in WNW Idioms

a good word

a favorable comment, or commendation

at a word

in quick response to a request or command; immediately

be as good as one's word

to live up to one's promises

break one's word

to fail to keep one's promise

hang on someone's words

to listen to someone eagerly

have a word with

to have a brief conversation with

have no words for

to be incapable of describing

have words with

to argue angrily with

in a word

in short; briefly

in so many words

exactly and plainly

man (or woman) of his (or her) word

a person who keeps his (or her) promises

of many (or few) words

talkative (or not talkative)

take someone at his word

or take someone at her word

to take someone's words literally or seriously and, often, act accordingly

take the words (right) out of someone's mouth

to say just what someone (else) was about to say

the Word

Logos
gospel (sense )

(upon) my word!

indeed!really!: an exclamation of surprise, irritation, etc.

word for word

in precisely the same words; exactly; verbatim

See word in American Heritage Dictionary 4 Idioms

in a word

In short; in summary: In a word, the situation is serious.

in so many words

In precisely those words; exactly: hinted at impending indictments but did not say it in so many words.
Speaking candidly and straightforwardly: In so many words, the weather has been beastly.

of few words

Not conversational or loquacious; laconic: a person of few words.

of (one's) word

Displaying personal dependability: a woman of her word.

take at (one's) word

To be convinced of another's sincerity and act in accord with his or her statement: We took them at their word that the job would be done on time.

upon my word

Indeed; really.

at a word

In immediate response.

good word

A favorable comment: She put in a good word for me.
Favorable news.

have no words for

To be unable to describe or talk about.

Learn more about word

» word definition

» word synonyms

» WORD abbreviations & acronyms

» word computer definition

» word sentence examples

» word quote examples

Related Articles

» Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word Lists

» Word Games at The Gameroom

» How to Solve Cryptograms

link/cite print suggestion box

What does "word" mean?

More from YD