Do I have to spell it out?
Do I have to spell it out (for you)?
Do I have to explain it in very simple or basic terms? An annoyed response to someone who does not understand what the speaker is alluding to, especially when the speaker believes it should be obvious. A: "What are you so worried about?" B: "Do I have to spell it out for you? He's going to fire me for what happened in Chicago!" A: "I just don't want to end up paying more taxes because of this law." B: "It has nothing to do with your taxes! Do I have to spell it out or something?"
See also: have, out, spell
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
Do I have to spell it out (for you)?
and Do I have to paint (you) a picture?; Do I need to paint you a picture?Fig. What do I have to do to make this clear enough for you to understand? (Shows impatience.) Mary: I don't think I understand what you're trying to tell me, Fred. Fred: Do I have to spell it out for you? Mary: I guess so. Fred: We're through, Mary. Sally: Would you please go over the part about the square root again? Mary: Do I have to paint you a picture? Pay attention!
See also: have, spell
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
- Do I have to paint (you) a picture?
- Do I have to paint a picture?
- Do I have to paint you a picture?
- Do I have to spell it out (for you)?
- Do I need to paint (you) a picture?
- Do I have to draw (you) a picture?
- Do I have to draw a picture?
- Do I have to draw you a picture?
- Did I stutter?
- I'll thank you to do something