it goes without saying

IPA/ɪt ɡəʊz wɪðˌaʊt sˈeɪɪŋ/
IPA/ɪt ɡoʊz wɪðˌaʊt sˈeɪɪŋ/

it goes without saying — idiom

1. said when you are stating something that you believe everyone already knows or e

1.idiomB2
Definition

said when you are stating something that you believe everyone already knows or expects — you mention it only to make your meaning clear or to be polite, not because you think the information is new.

Example

It goes without saying that Ayesha is the best qualified person for this job.

pattern: It goes without saying + that-clause

All guests should arrive at least ten minutes early — that goes without saying.

pattern: [statement] + that goes without saying (end position)

Common collocations
  • it goes without saying that
  • it goes without saying, but
  • that goes without saying
Synonyms
  • needless to say

    Very similar meaning and register; interchangeable in most contexts.

  • obviously

    More direct and common in everyday speech; functions as an adverb rather than a full clause.

  • of course

    Less formal and very frequent in conversation; implies shared knowledge.

  • clearly

    Straightforward and factual; often used in writing to state the obvious.

Grammar Patterns

it goes without saying + that-clause

it goes without saying, but + independent clause

Usage Note

Almost always followed by a 'that-clause' or by a comma and 'but' for contrastive effect. The phrase is common in both spoken and written English, though it is slightly more formal than alternatives like 'obviously' or 'of course'.

Common Mistakes

It goes without saying that exercise is good for your health. Let me explain the five main benefits.
It goes without saying that exercise is good for your health, so I will focus on the best way to start.
If you then explain or justify the statement in detail, the thing is not actually obvious, which contradicts the idiom's meaning.

Etymology

FrenchEnglish

This phrase is a direct translation (calque) of the French expression 'cela va sans dire', which literally means 'that goes without saying'. English speakers began using this borrowed structure in the mid-1800s. The core idea — that something is so obvious it does not need to be spoken out loud — has remained unchanged since the phrase entered the language.