Take at its word
Meaning
To believe and accept a statement, promise, or written text as entirely true and accurate without requiring further proof or confirmation.
Origin
Imagine a time before ironclad contracts and endless legal disclaimers. In ancient marketplaces and council halls, a person's spoken declaration was often their bond, their very reputation hanging on the reliability of their voice. To 'take a statement at its word' was the ultimate act of trust, a direct acceptance of a promise or declaration without demanding further proof. This wasn't just politeness; it was the foundation of trade, alliances, and daily life. It embodied the raw, immediate power of language—a verbal contract, sealed by nothing more than integrity. The phrase reminds us of that essential human need for reliable information, where simply accepting what is stated, at face value, was once the most straightforward path to progress.
Examples
- The company's press release claimed a breakthrough in technology, and investors seemed to take it at its word, causing stock prices to soar.
- After reading the detailed instructions, I decided to take the manual at its word and assemble the furniture exactly as described, even though it seemed complicated.