student asking question

What does “take your word for it” mean?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

When someone gives you their "word" this is another way to say to promise or tell the truth. So the expression "I'll take your word for it" means that you believe what someone says is true. Ex: I'll take his word for it. He has no reason to lie. However, in this case, the expression is used in more of a sarcastic way. So when he says "I'll take your word for it", what he really means is that he'll accept what Sherlock Holmes is saying although he doesn't completely believe it to be true or doesn't want to agree with him. Here's an example of this in another situation: Ex: A: You should try this fish soup, it's really good! B: I'll take your word for it.

Popular Q&As

04/19

Complete the expression with a quiz!