loud (redirected from loudest)

(I'm) (just) thinking out loud.

Fig. I'm saying things that might better remain as private thoughts. (A way of characterizing or introducing one's opinions or thoughts. Also past tense.) Sue: What are you saying, anyway? Sounds like you're scolding someone. Bob: Oh, sorry. I was just thinking out loud. Bob: Now, this goes over here. Bill: You want me to move that? Bob: Oh, no. Just thinking out loud.

See also: out, thinking

(I) read you loud and clear. 

1. Lit. a response used by someone communicating by radio stating that the hearer understands the transmission clearly. (See also Do you read me?) Controller: This is Aurora Center, do you read me? Pilot: Yes, I read you loud and clear. Controller: Left two degrees. Do you read me? Pilot: Roger. Read you loud and clear.

2. Fig. I understand what you are telling me. (Used in general conversation, not in radio communication.) Bob: Okay. Now, do you understand exactly what I said? Mary: I read you loud and clear. Mother: I don't want to have to tell you again. Do you understand? Bill: I read you loud and clear.

See also: and, clear, read

For crying out loud! and For crying in a bucket!

Inf. an exclamation of shock, anger, or surprise. Fred: For crying out loud! Answer the telephone! Bob: But it's always for you! John: Good grief! What am I going to do? This is the end! Sue: For crying in a bucket! What's wrong?

See also: crying, out

loud and clear

clear and distinctly. (Originally said of radio reception that is heard clearly and distinctly.) Tom: If I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times: Stop it! Do you hear me? Bill: Yes, loud and clear. I hear you loud and clear.

See also: and, clear

say something out loud

to say something so it can be heard; to say something that others might be thinking, but not saying. Yes, I said it, but I didn't mean to say it out loud. If you know the answer, please say it out loud.

See also: out, say

think out loud

Fig. to say one's thoughts aloud. Excuse me. I didn't really mean to say that. I was just thinking out loud. Mr. Johnson didn't prepare a speech. He just stood there and thought out loud. It was a terrible presentation.

See also: out, think

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For crying out loud!  (informal)

something that you say when you are annoyed For crying out loud! Can't you leave me alone even for a minute!

See also: crying, out

loud and clear

if an idea is expressed loud and clear, it is expressed very clearly in a way that is easy to understand In all this research, one message comes through loud and clear: excessive exposure to sun causes skin cancer.

See also: and, clear

loud-mouthed

a loud-mouthed person often says rude or stupid things in a loud voice So long as he doesn't bring along those loud-mouthed friends of his.

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for crying out loud (spoken)

I am annoyed or surprised by this No, I haven't bought her a present yet. Her birthday is a month away, for crying out loud.

Usage notes: used for emphasis

Related vocabulary: for Christ's sake

See also: crying, out

loud and clear

in a way that is easy to understand Major airlines are saying loud and clear that passengers are limited to two carry-on items.

Usage notes: often used to say that a message is understood: Our message came through loud and clear in that ad.

Etymology: based on the literal use of loud and clear to describe an easily understood radio or telephone communication

See also: and, clear

out loud

clearly, so it can be heard by other people My reaction to her suggestion was to laugh out loud. If you have something to say, you should say it out loud so the whole class can hear it.

See also: out

think out loud (spoken)

to say your thoughts aloud I'm thinking out loud now, but it looks as if I can meet you Tuesday.

See also: out, think