speak volumes

speak volumes

To reveal or indicate a great deal about someone or something. How you react to challenges speaks volumes about your character. He didn't answer the question directly, but his response speaks volumes. Her choice of dress for the event spoke volumes.
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speak volumes

Fig. [for something that is seen] to reveal a great deal of information. The unsightly yard and unpainted house speaks volumes about what kind of people live there.
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speak volumes

Be significant, indicate a great deal, as in That house of theirs speaks volumes about their income. This idiom uses volumes in the sense of "the information contained in volumes of books." [c. 1800]
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speak volumes

COMMON If something speaks volumes, it gives you a lot of information about the true facts of a situation. What you wear speaks volumes about you. Her background, while speaking volumes about her business skills, could not convince the arts world that she was part of it. Note: In this expression, a `volume' is a book.
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speak volumes

1 (of a gesture, circumstance, or object) convey a great deal. 2 be good evidence for.
2 1998 New Scientist It was a minor scandal… but it spoke volumes about the world's shifting relationship with its favourite illicit drug.
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speak ˈvolumes (about/for somebody/something)

show or express a lot about the nature or quality of somebody/something: Her face spoke volumes. You could see how much she had suffered. ♢ The progress he’s made since the operation speaks volumes for his courage.
See also: speak
References in classic literature ?
Two letters have passed between these parties, letters which are admitted to be in the handwriting of the defendant, and which speak volumes, indeed.
View in context
The present highest foreign exchange reserves in Pakistan's history speak volumes of the success of the government's economic policies.
PM lauds economic team for putting country on path of sustainable growth
Bradley's legacy continues to speak volumes to many aspiring black journalists.
Ed Bradley made our stories prime-time news: veteran CBS News correspondent succumbs to leukemia
If anyone wanted to explore the intricate differences between the male and female psyches, the plethora of articles we received on nurturing the female body and the single piece, by request, on male sexual health speak volumes about feminine and masculine priorities.
Letter from the editor
A firm's price creates an acoustic effect in the marketplace, which over the long term will speak volumes about the firm and its level of self-esteem.
You are what you charge: ultimately, a business is defined by that for which it collects revenue, and it collects revenue only for that which it decides to charge
Daley said businesses look at what a city has to offer before making any major decision and future growth and development speak volumes.
Daley: NYC must grow to prosper
Blige, Mos Def and Prince are snapped by a host of photographers who capture both the in-your-face attitude and rhythm of a culture and a generation that speak volumes.
The look of hip-hop
This brief anecdote and many others like it speak volumes about the troubling alliance between various Muslim and Marxist groups.
Marxist-Muslim alliance. (Insider Report)
The scope and nature of the charges, and the gun seizures speak volumes about the nature of this gang,'' Curd said.
VALLEY RESIDENTS ARRESTED IN CYCLE-GANG RAID
It's important to search for this storehouse, says Holman, because its presence-or absence-may speak volumes about the pro-cess of planet formation.
Another reservoir for comets?
But the choreography is all Morris, in its formal wedding to the music, its subtle emotional content, its uncommon treatment of common folk steps, and the way the simplest gestures come together to speak volumes.
The Office
BNI's 2006 year-end statistics clearly speak volumes about the value of business networking anywhere in the world.
New Worldwide Statistics Prove the Benefits of Business Networking
His accomplishments speak volumes on his strong commitment to his clients and the firm.
CBRE broker makes it big in LIC
Jim's wealth of knowledge and his flawless track record speak volumes about the man.
Shopping Center Innovators Join Forces to Extend Expertise in Real Estate Development and Leasing
These results speak volumes about, and are a testament to, the strength and market position that iCap has created and gained since its inception in January 2001.
Loan origination totals $2.835 billion for 2002
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