saying

"Saying" is a versatile English word with two main uses. It can refer to a well-known phrase or piece of wisdom that people repeat, or it can simply be the present participle form of the verb "say." Both uses are very common in everyday English.

1nouna well-known phrase or proverb

A saying is a short, familiar phrase that many people know and repeat because it expresses a truth or piece of wisdom about life. Think of it like a little nugget of advice that has been passed down through generations. For example, 'Actions speak louder than words' is a well-known saying.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

There's an old saying: 'Every cloud has a silver lining,' meaning something good can come from a bad situation.

My grandmother always repeated the saying, 'Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.'

As the saying goes, 'You can't judge a book by its cover.'

2verbexpressing something in words (present participle of 'say')

This is simply the '-ing' form of the verb 'say.' When you use 'saying,' you are describing the action of speaking or expressing something in words at a particular moment. You use it in continuous tenses or after verbs like 'keep' or 'without.'

everyday language · Modern, widely used

She kept saying that she was tired, so we decided to go home early.

He left without saying goodbye, which was a little rude.

I'm not saying you are wrong — I just want to understand your point of view.

3verbfigurativemeaning or implying something (figurative use)

Sometimes 'saying' is used to talk about what something suggests or communicates indirectly — not just spoken words, but the message behind an action, a look, or a situation. It is like asking, 'What does this really mean?'

everyday language · Modern, widely used · figurative

The look on his face was saying that he was not happy with the decision.

By arriving late every day, she is saying that she does not respect other people's time.

What is this painting saying about modern life?