It figures

[1282] You would say that

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English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • Implies that the person's statement is predictable because it aligns with their known bias, self-interest, personality, or previous opinions.
  • Can range from gentle teasing to a pointed accusation of bias or lack of objectivity.

Origin

  • Literal meaning: It is characteristic of you to say such a thing.
  • The modal verb would indicates predictability or expectation based on the person's nature.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • That's typical of you.
  • Figures you'd say that.
  • Spoken like a true [role/characteristic]. (e.g., ...like a true engineer.)
  • I expected you to say that.
  • Coming from you, that's no surprise.

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • 'Course you would. (Shortened)
  • That's so you. (Focuses on personality)
  • Tell me something I don't know. (Sarcastic, implies obviousness)

Milder/More Diplomatic:

  • I understand why you'd see it that way.
  • That perspective makes sense given your background.

More Confrontational:

  • Well, you're hardly objective, are you?
  • Of course, YOU believe that.

Situational Appropriateness

  • Informal to semi-formal. Can easily sound confrontational or passive-aggressive.
  • Best used with people you know well or when the implied bias is obvious and gentle (like teasing). Risky in professional settings unless the relationship is very strong.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • Learners need to catch the implication of predictability and bias, not just the literal fact that the person said the words. Tone is critical.

Examples

  • Person A (always optimistic): I'm sure everything will work out fine! Person B: You would say that.
  • Person A (car salesman): This is the best model for you. Person B (customer): You would say that, wouldn't you? (Implying self-interest)
  • Person A (cat lover): Cats are much better pets than dogs. Person B (dog lover): You would say that.

Dialogue

Eva (who loves spicy food): This curry isn't even that hot.

Dan (who finds it very spicy): You would say that! You have a tongue made of asbestos!

Eva: Haha, maybe! But it's delicious, right?

Social Media Examples

  • Reply to someone defending their favorite sports team unconditionally: You would say that, check your bio 😉 #biased
  • Comment on a tech CEO praising their own product: You would say that. Let's see some independent reviews.
  • Chat between friends: Friend A: Working out is the best stress relief! Friend B (Gym owner): You would say that lol.

Response Patterns

  • Well, it happens to be true!
  • What do you mean by that? (Defensive)
  • Hey, just calling it like I see it.
  • Laughter (if teasing)
  • Maybe, but I still think... (Acknowledging predictability but reaffirming stance)

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After hearing You would say that:

  • The person addressed might challenge the implication (Are you saying I'm biased?) or defend their reasoning (No, really, listen...).

The speaker might:

  • Clarify the perceived bias (Well, you do own the company...).
  • Soften the comment if it was taken badly (I was just teasing).

Conversation Starter

  • No. A direct response to another person's statement.

Intonation

  • Heavy stress on You, often also on would.
  • Tone can be teasing, resigned, skeptical, or accusatory. YOU would say that.

Generation Differences

  • Used across various adult generations.

Regional Variations

  • Common in most English-speaking regions.
It figures
🎲 Here we go again