give one's word

Make a commitment

To give one's word is to make a promise or solemn assurance: I give you my word I'll be there.

The phrase treats a person's word as something valuable being offered—a verbal bond.

Breaking one's word is considered a serious breach of trust.

He gave his word he wouldn't tell anyone.

Related

reliability · assurance · promise · covenant · binding agreement · undertaking · affirm · contract · agreement · shake on it · seal the deal · honor · troth · loyalty · oath · take an oath · sworn statement · guarantee

Opposites
commitment/promise-making

give one's wordhedge

Boundary of planted shrubs

equivocate · keep one's options open · waffle · demur

honoring vs. breaking commitments

give one's wordbreak one's word

Fail to keep promise

renege · break a promise · default · back out · welsh

truth-telling vs. deception

give one's wordlie

Deliberate falsehood

deceive · mislead · double-cross · dissemble · bluff

Family

give, gives, given, giving, giver, givers, ones, word, words

Familiarity
Top 50,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G