speak volumes

present singular third person speaks volumes · participle present speaking volumes · past spoke volumes · participle past spoken volumes · alternative say volumes

1. To talk a great deal.

   I can speak volumes about this school.

   Synonyms: tell volumes

2. To convey significant information beyond what is explicit, especially unintentionally.

   In our day-to-day experiences, it is often such nonverbal emotional information carried by the human voice that “speaks volumes.”

   Synonyms: say it all, tell volumes

3. situation; or object; situation; or objectTo convey significant information.

   The way you listen speaks volumes.

   4 more examples

   The lighted decorated Christmas tree, a treat for all, speaks volumes of meaning.

   I waited, anticipating her reply. Her hesitation spoke volumes.

   1990, Roy Hollis, Eve, New York, N.Y.: Vantage Press, →ISBN

   Two-nil down, playing the World Cup winners in Berlin, England’s response spoke volumes for the spirit of togetherness Hodgson has been trying to foster and provided a victory that will be remembered with the kind of fondness usually reserved for the 5–1 win in Munich from an entirely different era.

   2016 March 27, Daniel Taylor, “Eric Dier seals England’s stunning comeback against Germany”, in The Guardian, London, archived from the original on 01 Apr 2016

   The impact is tangible. In 2023, South Western Railway replaced manual, paper-based systems with real-time Passenger Assistance - and the results speak volumes: […].

   2025 October 15, Emma Partlow, “Comment: Passenger Assistance”, in RAIL, number 1046, page 15

   Synonyms: tell volumes