1. Home
2. Idioms
3. spoken

spoken

---

---

spoken word

A type of poetry that is read aloud in a performance. I'll be reading some of my spoken word poetry tonight at the coffee house, if you want to stop by.

See also: spoken, word

Many a true word is spoken in jest.

 and There's many a true word spoken in jest.

Prov. Just because something is said as a joke, it can still be true. Fred: Why did you make a joke about my being stingy? Do you really think I'm cheap? Ellen: Of course not, don't be silly. It was just a joke. Fred: But many a true word is spoken in jest.

See also: jest, many, spoken, true, word

speak for

oneself to speak on one's own behalf. I can speak for myself. I don't need you to speak for me. speak for yourself. What you say does not represent my thinking.

See also: speak

speak for someone or something

 

1. to testify or argue for someone or something. I would be happy to speak for you in court. Just tell me when. My attorney will speak for our position.

2. to lay claim to someone or something. Fred is spoken for. I want to speak for the red one.

See also: speak

spoken for

taken; reserved (for someone). I'm sorry, but this piece of cake is already spoken for. Pardon me. Can I sit here, or is this seat spoken for?

See also: spoken

word (once) spoken is past recalling

Prov. Once you have said something, you cannot undo the result of having said it. Hilary apologized for having called Mark's suit cheap, but Mark was still offended. A word once spoken is past recalling.

See also: past, recall, spoken, word

speak for somebody/something

to express the opinions or wishes of someone I can't speak for my boss on something that is so personal. Tokarczyk believed that her poetry could speak for the nation.

See also: speak

speak for yourself

to say what you really believe or think is true She should tell us what happened – I mean, she's an adult, she can speak for herself.

Usage notes: sometimes used to say you do not agree with what someone else has said: “Without makeup a woman cannot be pretty.” “Speak for yourself. I think she's beautiful with no makeup at all.”

See also: speak

There's many a true word spoken in jest.

something that you say when you think that something someone has said as a joke may really be true or become true 'At this rate we'll be walking all night.' 'Be careful - there's many a true word spoken in jest.'

See also: jest, many, spoken, true, word

speak for

1. Intercede for, recommend, as in He spoke for the young applicant, commending her honesty. [c. 1300]

2. Express the views of, as in I can't speak for my husband but I'd love to accept, or I don't care what Harry thinks-Speak for yourself, Joe. [c. 1300]

3. speak for itself. Be significant or self-evident, as in They haven't called us in months, and that speaks for itself. [Second half of 1700s]

4. spoken for. Ordered, engaged, or reserved, as in This lot of rugs is already spoken for, or Is this dance spoken for? This usage comes from the older verb, bespeak, meaning "to order." [Late 1600s]

See also: speak

speak for

v.

1. To act as spokesperson for someone or something: I speak for the entire staff when I say thank you. I think these photographs will speak for themselves. Hey, speak for yourself—I'm not too old to dance! I can't speak for my competitors, but we take every precaution to ensure the customer's safety.

2. To make a reservation or request for someone or something. Chiefly used in the passive: Is this dance spoken for? That painting is already spoken for.

See also: speak

spoken for

Reserved or requested: Is that seat spoken for?

See also: spoken