take one at his word

It means you believe what someone says without needing any proof or evidence. You accept their statement as the truth, trusting their honesty completely. It's like saying, 'I believe you, no questions asked.'

Generally, yes, it implies a positive trust in the person. However, if you later find out they lied, using the phrase might make you look naive. So, while the intent is trust, the outcome can vary depending on the speaker's honesty.

Yes, the principle applies even if the 'word' isn't spoken directly to you. If you read an email promising a delivery date or a social media post claiming a fact, and you believe it without checking, you are essentially taking it at its word.

It's perfect for situations where someone makes a promise, gives an assurance, or states a fact you want to believe. For example, if a friend says they'll arrive on time, you can say, 'Great, I'll take you at your word.'

Yes, but with caution. You might take a client at their word regarding their needs initially, or take a colleague at their word about a completed task. However, in formal business, it's often wise to verify important details rather than blindly trust.

You can use the phrase in the negative: 'I *don't* take him at his word.' This clearly indicates your skepticism or disbelief without directly accusing them of lying. It’s a polite way to express doubt.

It's quite versatile and generally considered neutral. You can use it in most everyday conversations with friends, family, or colleagues. It leans slightly informal but isn't considered slang.

Not really common ones. The core structure take [someone] at [their] word is standard. You might hear slight variations like 'take someone's word for it,' which is very similar in meaning.

'Trust someone' is broader, referring to general reliability. 'Take someone at their word' specifically means believing a particular statement or promise without question, implying a high level of immediate faith.

It means the same thing: to believe what someone says. For example, 'He said the store is closed; I'll take his word for it.' It emphasizes accepting their statement as fact.

Yes, the phrase reflects historical importance placed on personal honor and integrity. In the past, a person's 'word' was a binding promise, and breaking it had serious social consequences. The idiom carries echoes of that value.

If you discover the person lied after you took them at their word, it means your trust was misplaced. You might feel foolish or deceived. The phrase itself doesn't imply the person *is* honest, only that you *chose* to believe them.

A frequent error is using 'words' instead of 'word,' like 'I took his words.' The correct idiom is take someone at their word. Another mistake is using it when you clearly *don't* believe someone, which contradicts the phrase's meaning.

Absolutely! If someone tells an outrageous story, you might say, 'Oh, really? I'll just take your word for that,' with a sarcastic tone to imply you don't believe them at all. Context and tone are key here.

Using 'I won't take him at his word' suggests you have reasons (past experience, context) to doubt the person's statement. It's a way of withholding belief, often implying you'll seek verification yourself.

Not necessarily. It can be any statement, assurance, or piece of information. If someone tells you 'The train leaves at 3 PM,' and you believe them without checking the schedule, you take them at their word.

'Buying it' (or 'buying into something') means accepting an idea or explanation, often uncritically, and sometimes implies being easily persuaded. It's similar to taking someone at their word but can apply more to beliefs or explanations than specific promises.

There isn't one single perfect opposite, but phrases like 'be skeptical,' 'doubt someone,' or 'not buy it' convey the opposite sentiment of disbelief.

Yes. If a company makes a public statement or guarantee (e.g., 'Our product is eco-friendly'), and you believe it without further investigation, you are taking the company at its word.

It implies the speaker is willing to grant trust. It can suggest they are optimistic, perhaps a bit trusting, or simply have good reason to believe the other person based on past interactions.