let me explain
"I'll clarify this"
Let me explain is a phrase that signals the speaker is about to clarify something—often after confusion, skepticism, or an incomplete statement.
It can be genuinely helpful Let me explain how the system works or defensive, buying time after a misstep: I know this looks bad, but let me explain.
The phrase sometimes carries a patronizing edge, implying the listener needs things spelled out.
- clarifyMake something understandable
- elaborateComplex and detailed
- listenPerceive sound attentively
- understandGrasp the meaning
- the thing isConversational reality check
here's the deal · allow me · context · reason · to be fair · actually · basically · simply put · long story short · in other words · bear with me · patience · misunderstanding · confusion · clear up · point · meaning · pause
- excusesexcuse, not my fault, overslept, alibi, excuses
- clarifiersi.e., e.g., namely, meaning, specifically
- persuasionpersuade, persuasion, persuasive, convince, convincing
- condescensionpatronizing, belittling, talking down, talk down, superiority
- phrasesnoun phrases, noun phrase, verb phrase, prepositional phrase, prepositional phrases
let me explainno comment
Refusal to speak
end of discussion · drop it · enough said · mind your own business · none of your business
let me explainno excuses
Refusing to justify failure
I was wrong · mea culpa · I'm sorry · I apologize · guilty as charged
let me explainyou tell me
Deflection to the questioner
go ahead · your turn · hear me out · say no more · shut up
letting, explain, explains, explained, explaining, explainer, explanation, explanatory, inexplicable