To say a mouthful means to say a great deal or to say something very important. When someone says “You said a mouthful”, they mean “you said something very important or meaningful.”
Less often, to say a mouthful refers to making a long statement.
Although the precise meaning of this idiom is different than a similar idiom you can say that again, it is often used in a similar way, to express complete agreement. It is also used to commend someone for their insight.
“A Mouthful” vs. “You Said a Mouthful”
The idiom you said a mouthful is frequently confused with the phrase a mouthful used on its own. While they share the same root imagery, they express two completely different ideas:
- You Said a Mouthful: An expression of strong agreement or praise, meaning you made an especially important, impactful, or accurate point.
- That’s a Mouthful (or “Quite a Mouthful”): Refers to a word, phrase, or proper name that is exceptionally long, complicated, or difficult to pronounce.
Examples:
- “Mary is going to hyphenate her name after the wedding to Maria Alejandra Gonzalez-Henderson. What a mouthful!”
- “The chemical compound is called tetrahydrocannabinol—quite a mouthful, which is why people just call it THC.”
British Usage Note: In British English, “to give someone a mouthful” has a third meaning: to verbally abuse, curse at, or angrily scold someone.
Origin
This idiom alludes figuratively to the maximum amount of food a mouth can hold. It has been used since the late 1700s.
Video Presentation
Sentence Examples
“When you said this was going to be our biggest year yet, you said a mouthful. Business is booming!”
“Richard is a very talented actor,” said Rose. “You said a mouthful,” said Arthur. “He’s going to be famous!”
Similar and Related Idioms
- You Can Say That Again: An emphatic expression of complete agreement, particularly regarding a shared physical or emotional experience.
- Hit the Nail on the Head: To state a fact, diagnosis, or truth with perfect, pinpoint accuracy.
- Tell It Like It Is: To speak candidly, truthfully, and without softening harsh realities.
- Spoken Like a True…: Expressing approval of someone’s comment because it perfectly exemplifies their role, identity, or expertise.
- A Tongue Twister: A phrase or sentence designed to be difficult to articulate clearly and rapidly.