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  1. Dictionary
    when
    /wɛn/

    interrogative

    • 1. at what time: "when did you last see him?"

    relative

    • 1. at or on which (referring to a time or circumstance): "Saturday is the day when I get my hair done"

    conjunction

    • 1. at or during the time that: "I loved maths when I was at school"
    • 2. after which; and just then (implying suddenness): "he had just drifted off to sleep when the phone rang"

    More definitions, origin and scrabble points

  2. SAY WHEN definition: 1. said when you are pouring a drink for someone and you want them to tell you when to stop pouring…. Learn more.

  3. Jun 20, 2012 · "Say when" is simply a shortened form for "Say when to stop." When you want the waiter to stop, you can say, "Stop," or "Okay, that's enough" or, simply "When" (because the waiter asked you to "Say 'when'" [inner quotes added that time].

  4. The idiom “say when” is a common phrase used in social situations to indicate that someone should let the other person know when they have had enough of something. While it may seem like a simple expression, its origins can be traced back to ancient times.

    • The Meaning of The Idiom Say When
    • Say When Origin and Etymology
    • Synonyms For Say When
    • Just Say When: Examples in A Sentence
    • Just Say When

    Say when is short for say when to stop pouring. You’ll find it used more in the context of food and drinks to let the server know when you have enough, but it can be used in other contexts, too. During my first massage, the therapist wanted to start off easy, and when she began applying pressure to certain muscles, she told me, “Say when!” to let h...

    Rooted in social etiquettes and gatherings of the 1500s, the phrase “say when” originated in dining scenarios, where one would pour beverages or serve food to another. To avoid over-pouring or serving too much, the server would ask the recipient to say when they’ve had enough. This courteous gesture gradually became an idiom in the 19th century, sy...

    Want to shake things up and use alternatives tosay when? Here are some synonyms that hold similar meanings. 1. Let me know when 2. Tell me to stop 3. Indicate your limit 4. Give me a sign 5. Say uncle 6. Signal when it’s enough

    Here are ten scenarios to fuel your imagination with how to use say whenin a sentence. 1. As he drizzled the chocolate sauce over her ice cream, he teased, “Just say when!” knowing she never would. 2. When you’ve gathered enough information, just say when, and I’ll stop the research. 3. The hairstylist held up the scissors, smiling, “I’ll start tri...

    Say when is more than just an idiom. With its origins in polite society and its evolution into a versatile expression, it’s a tool to encourage interaction and collaboration. Next time you’re pouring a drink, sharing an idea, or just seeking some sort of direction, remember to sprinkle in some say whenmagic. Craving more idiomatic insights? Don’t j...

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  5. What does the saying 'Say when' mean? Idiom: Say when. Meaning: People say this when pouring a drink as a way of telling you to tell them when there's enough in your glass. Country: International English | Subject Area: General | Usage Type: Both or All Words Used. Contributor: Richard Flynn.

  6. Definition of say when in the Idioms Dictionary. say when phrase. What does say when expression mean? Definitions by the largest Idiom Dictionary.

  7. Jun 2, 2024 · say when (third-person singular simple present says when, present participle saying when, simple past and past participle said when) An imperative form used to request that the interlocutor indicate when one should stop doing something, esp. pouring a drink, because one has reached a sufficient amount. Say when! ― When! Thanks.