take (one) at (one's) word
take (one) at (one's) word
To accept what one says without further verifying or investigating. Why some people take that pundit at his word is beyond me. He clearly has an ulterior motive. You're right to be wary, but, in this case, I think we can take John at his word. He's just trying to help.
See also: take, word
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
take one at one's word
to believe what someone says and act accordingly. She told me to go jump in the lake, and I took her at her word. You shouldn't take her at her word. She frequently says things she doesn't really mean.
See also: one, take, word
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
take someone at his or her word
Also, take someone's word for. Accept what someone says on trust, as in Since he said he'd agree to any of my ideas, I'll take him at his word, or She said she wanted to help out and I took her word for it. This idiom appeared in Miles Coverdale's translation of the Bible: "He said ... he is my brother. And the men took him shortly at his word" (I Kings 22:33). It is still so used. [1535]
See also: someone, take, word
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
take someone at their word
interpret a person's words literally or exactly, especially by believing them or doing as they suggest.See also: someone, take, word
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
take somebody at their ˈword
believe exactly what somebody says or promises: She said I could go and stay with her in Paris whenever I wanted, so I took her at her word.See also: somebody, take, word
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
take at (someone's) word
To be convinced of another's sincerity and act in accord with his or her statement: We took them at their word that the job would be done on time.
See also: take, word
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
- take at word
- take one at word
- take somebody at their word
- take someone at his or her word
- take someone at their word
- take someone's word
- take somebody's word for it
- take my word for it
- take (one's) word
- take (one's) word for it