spoken

Many a true word is spoken in jest. and There's many a true word spoken in jest.

Prov. Just because something is said as a joke, it can still be true. Fred: Why did you make a joke about my being stingy? Do you really think I'm cheap? Ellen: Of course not, don't be silly. It was just a joke. Fred: But many a true word is spoken in jest.

See also: jest, many, true, word

spoken for

taken; reserved (for someone). I'm sorry, but this piece of cake is already spoken for. Pardon me. Can I sit here, or is this seat spoken for?

word (once) spoken is past recalling

Prov. Once you have said something, you cannot undo the result of having said it. Hilary apologized for having called Mark's suit cheap, but Mark was still offended. A word once spoken is past recalling.

See also: past, recall, word

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There's many a true word spoken in jest.

something that you say when you think that something someone has said as a joke may really be true or become true 'At this rate we'll be walking all night.' 'Be careful - there's many a true word spoken in jest.'

See also: jest, many, true, word