give the word

Idioms and Phrases

Also, say the word . Give an order, tell or show when something is to be done, as in If you want us to move out, just give the word , or When you want the car, just say the word . The first expression, dating from about 1400, originally alluded to uttering a password in response to a sentinel's challenge. The second is even older, appearing in an early translation of the biblical books of Genesis and Exodus: “And God said the word to Abraham.”

Related Words

• acquaint
• advise
• civilize
• edify
• educate
• inform
• uplift