a telling remark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a telling remark" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a comment that reveals something significant or insightful about a situation or person. Example: "Her response was a telling remark that hinted at her true feelings about the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

But it would prove to be a telling remark.

The New York Times - Sports

But it was a telling remark, in more ways than one.

The New York Times

Yet there is a telling remark by the Kirov's wardrobe mistress in the film.

The New York Times

Nicholas would make a telling remark while defending himself before the derby: "The big-match atmosphere may be a help.

The Guardian - Sport

One year, while trailing her dogs along the mile and a half route, Ms. Roberts overheard a telling remark in the crowd.

The New York Times

(In a telling remark, more than one Italian insisted to me that no Chinese person would be caught in a Fiat Panda, one of the Italian company's most modest cars).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Early in Our Necessary Shadow, his lucid, humane and in many ways well-balanced account of the nature and meaning of psychiatry, Tom Burns, professor of social psychiatry at Oxford University, makes a supremely telling remark: "I am convinced psychiatry is a major force for good or I would not have spent my whole adult life in it".

The Guardian

There are a lot of things that he said during our conversation that touched me, inspired me, and bugged me out, but the one that stands out the most was an offhand but telling remark he had during the photo shoot.

Vice

This telling remark forges a crucial philosophical link (and not merely an etymological one) between the poietic and poetic.

SEP

However, he made one telling remark that has annoyed the White House while reinforcing the impression that a Bush administration would be much more reluctant than Mr. Clinton has been to use federal power to expand wilderness protections.

The New York Times

In one telling remark, he added that respect for the scientific process was not "just about providing investment and resources.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a telling remark" when you want to emphasize that a particular comment reveals something important or insightful about a person, situation, or event.

Common error

Avoid using "a telling remark" in very casual conversation. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or academic in informal settings. Opt for simpler phrases like "that says a lot" or "that's revealing" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a telling remark" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a specific instance of communication characterized by its revelatory nature. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a telling remark" is a grammatically sound and useful expression for emphasizing the revelatory nature of a statement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It functions as a noun phrase, highlighting that a comment reveals something significant. While most common in news and media, it's appropriate for professional contexts as well. When writing, remember to consider the formality of the situation and choose simpler alternatives for very casual settings. Notable alternatives include "an insightful comment" and "a revealing statement". Be sure to differentiate it from similarly sounding phrases to give the most accurate impact to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an insightful comment

Focuses on the depth and understanding revealed by the comment, rather than just its revealing nature.

a revealing statement

Emphasizes that the statement uncovers or discloses something previously unknown or understood.

a significant observation

Highlights the importance and noteworthiness of the remark.

an indicative comment

Suggests the comment serves as a sign or indication of something else.

a noteworthy statement

Emphasizes that the statement is worthy of attention and consideration.

a suggestive comment

Implies that the comment hints at something without explicitly stating it.

a meaningful observation

Highlights the depth and importance of the observation.

a telling detail

Shifts the focus to a specific element within a larger context that reveals information.

an illuminating point

Stresses that the comment clarifies or sheds light on a particular issue.

a crucial observation

Emphasizes the importance of the observation to a discussion or understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "a telling remark" in a sentence?

You can use "a telling remark" to describe a statement that reveals something significant. For example, "Her silence on the matter was "a telling remark" about her true feelings."

What are some alternatives to "a telling remark"?

Alternatives to "a telling remark" include phrases like "an insightful comment", "a revealing statement", or "a significant observation" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "telling remark" a correct phrase?

Yes, "telling remark" is a correct and understandable phrase, but the inclusion of the article "a" or "an" often makes the phrase flow more naturally in a sentence. For example, "That was "a telling remark"" sounds more complete than "That was telling remark".

What does it mean when someone makes "a telling remark"?

When someone makes "a telling remark", it means they've said something that reveals something important or insightful, often unintentionally. The remark provides a clue or deeper understanding of a situation or a person's thoughts.