Skip to main content

๐Ÿ’ฌ Say a Good Word For: Meaning, Usage, and Fun Ways to Remember This Useful Idiom

๐Ÿ“– 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.

๐Ÿ—ฃ️ In short: When you say a good word for someone, you're vouching for them or praising them to help them out.


๐Ÿ•ฐ️ 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 rรฉsumรฉs 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.


๐Ÿ’ก 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

๐Ÿ’ฌ 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.”


๐ŸŽญ 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

  1. Before the interview, I asked my former boss to say a good word for me to the HR department.

  2. Don’t worry—I’ll say a good word for you to the coach. You deserve a spot on the team!

  3. If you say a good word for me to the landlord, maybe they’ll overlook my late rent this once.

  4. I hardly know the professor, but I hope she’ll say a good word for me in the scholarship application.

  5. My cousin wants to work here—can you say a good word for him during the board meeting?


๐Ÿง  Tips and Memory Aids

๐Ÿ”น Think of a genie or magic wish—your "good word" is like a magical recommendation!
๐Ÿ”น Associate it with job hunting or reference letters. Whenever you think of someone needing help, imagine saying a kind word to open doors.
๐Ÿ”น Use the acronym SAGWF (“Support Always Goes With Favor”) to remember that saying a good word is a supportive favor.


๐Ÿ˜‚ 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. ๐Ÿฉ๐Ÿ˜„

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

๐Ÿ’Œ The Meaning of the Idiom "You and Yours" ๐Ÿซถ — Explained with Examples

When someone says "you and yours," it may sound poetic or old-fashioned, but it's still warm , meaningful , and used in modern conversations. This phrase is an elegant and affectionate way to include you and your loved ones , and it often appears in greetings, well wishes, and heartfelt messages. In this article, we will unpack the true meaning of the idiom "you and yours," explore how it's used in different contexts, and provide original sample sentences. Whether you're crafting a message, a speech, or just looking to understand everyday expressions more deeply, this guide is for you and yours . ๐Ÿ’ก What Does "You and Yours" Really Mean? The idiom "you and yours" refers to you and the people closely connected to you — typically your family, partner, or loved ones . It's a collective expression that conveys inclusion, care, and community . ✅ “You” refers to the person being addressed. ✅ “Yours” extends to those who b...

What Does “Eat Crow” Mean? Origin, Usage & Examples

The idiom “eat crow” means to admit you were wrong after insisting you were right. Figuratively, it refers to swallowing one’s pride, facing embarrassment, or conceding a mistake. Literally, it suggests the unpleasant act of eating a crow—a bird associated with being tough, gamey, and unappetizing. This contrast makes it a memorable piece of figurative language in English. Origin or Background The phrase “eat crow” first appeared in 19th-century America. One widely shared story comes from an 1850 newspaper article describing a farmer who lost a bet and was forced to eat a crow he had shot. Because crows were considered undesirable and even revolting to eat, the tale quickly gained symbolic meaning. Interestingly, similar expressions exist in other cultures, such as “eating humble pie” in British English, both carrying the idea of reluctantly accepting humiliation. Common Usage in Everyday English People use “eat crow” in situations where: Someone is proven wrong after c...

On All Fours: Meaning, Context, and Etymology

The phrase "on all fours" is an idiom that has been in use since the 16th century. It is a noun phrase that describes a position where all four limbs are touching the ground. This phrase is often used to describe animals, such as cats and dogs, that are in a crawling position. It can also be used to describe humans in a submissive or humble position. The origin of this phrase dates back to the Latin phrase " quadrupedare ," which means "to go on all fours." This phrase is used to describe a person or animal that is in a position of complete submission or humility. It can also be used to describe someone who is in a low-power situation or who is being taken advantage of.  In modern usage, this phrase can be used to describe any situation where someone is in a vulnerable position or at a disadvantage. It can also be used to describe someone who is trying to get ahead but is struggling due to external factors. Additionally, it can be used to ...

๐Ÿ’ฅ What Does "Yeet" Mean in Slang? The Wild Ride of a Viral Word

In the ever-evolving world of internet language, few words have made a louder entrance than "yeet" . If you’ve spent any time online in the last decade, chances are you’ve seen someone yeet an object, shout it mid-celebration, or throw it around in a meme. But what does this word really mean, and how did it take over the internet? Let’s break down the meaning of "yeet" , its origins, uses, and why it continues to dominate digital conversations. ๐Ÿ” The Origin of "Yeet" The word "yeet" first gained traction around 2014 , when a viral Vine video showed a teenager doing a dance move while yelling "yeet!" That moment sparked countless imitations and interpretations. But unlike most fleeting internet trends, yeet kept evolving. While it originally accompanied dance moves and energetic throws, it slowly took on broader meaning—and more chaotic energy. ๐Ÿš€ What Does "Yeet" Mean? At its core, "yeet" is a slang t...

๐Ÿ’ฌ Can’t Get a Word in Edgeways? Here’s What It Really Means!

๐Ÿง  What Does Word in Edgeways Mean? The idiom “word in edgeways” means being unable to speak or contribute to a conversation because someone else is talking nonstop. If you can't get a word in edgeways , you literally can't interrupt or insert your opinion. ๐Ÿ‘‰ Example : I wanted to tell her about my day, but she was ranting so much I couldn’t get a word in edgeways ! ๐Ÿ•ฐ️ Origin of Word in Edgeways The phrase originated in British English around the 19th century , and it likely refers to the idea of trying to insert a thin “edge” of a word—like trying to wedge something into a very tight space. Just like slipping the edge of a knife into a packed drawer, you’re trying to insert your voice into a packed conversation. Some sources suggest that this idiom is a variation of the earlier phrase "to put a word in edgewise" , common in the U.S. The British version just adds a twist with the "-ways" ending. ๐Ÿ—ฃ️ When and How Do We Use Word in Edgeways ? Thi...