📖 What Does Say a Good Word For Mean?
The idiom say a good word for means to speak favorably about someone, usually to support, recommend, or defend them, especially in front of someone who holds power, like a boss, teacher, or decision-maker.
🗣️ In short: When you say a good word for someone, you're vouching for them or praising them to help them out.
🕰️ Origin and Background
While the exact origin of say a good word for isn’t well-documented, it’s a traditional English phrase that dates back centuries. Its roots lie in the power of oral recommendations in society—long before résumés and digital reviews, people relied on "a good word" to get a job, a favor, or a second chance. This idiom highlights the importance of reputation and support through speech.
💡 When and How Is Say a Good Word For Commonly Used?
This idiom is used when someone wants to help another person by speaking positively about them to someone else who may be able to help them—like a manager, employer, or decision-maker.
It’s commonly used in contexts such as:
-
Job recommendations
-
College applications
-
Asking for favors
-
Trying to impress someone on another’s behalf
💬 Example Situations:
-
“I’m applying at your company—could you say a good word for me?”
-
“He wouldn’t have gotten the role if his teacher hadn’t said a good word for him.”
🎭 Tone and Formality
The idiom say a good word for is neutral to slightly formal. It can be used in both spoken and written English, and it works well in professional or polite conversations.
It’s not slang or overly casual, but it’s friendly and often used in personal requests.
✍️ 5 Original Sentence Examples Using Say a Good Word For
-
Before the interview, I asked my former boss to say a good word for me to the HR department.
-
Don’t worry—I’ll say a good word for you to the coach. You deserve a spot on the team!
-
If you say a good word for me to the landlord, maybe they’ll overlook my late rent this once.
-
I hardly know the professor, but I hope she’ll say a good word for me in the scholarship application.
-
My cousin wants to work here—can you say a good word for him during the board meeting?
🧠 Tips and Memory Aids
🔹 Think of a genie or magic wish—your "good word" is like a magical recommendation!
🔹 Associate it with job hunting or reference letters. Whenever you think of someone needing help, imagine saying a kind word to open doors.
🔹 Use the acronym SAGWF (“Support Always Goes With Favor”) to remember that saying a good word is a supportive favor.
😂 A Funny Little Story to Remember the Idiom
Meet Bob. Bob wanted a promotion but didn’t have the best record. One day, he brought donuts for the office, helped clean the printer, and complimented the boss’s cat mug. He nervously asked his co-worker, “Could you say a good word for me?”
The next day, his boss whispered, “Bob, I heard you’re not just the donut guy—you’re dependable.” That good word? It worked wonders.
Lesson? Sometimes one good word gets you more than a dozen donuts. 🍩😄