speaks volumes
Communicates without words
To speak volumes is to convey a great deal without explicit statement—through implication, gesture, or mere existence.
A raised eyebrow speaks volumes.
So does a long silence, or the fact that someone didn't show up: Her absence at the funeral spoke volumes.
The phrase suggests that what's communicated nonverbally exceeds what words could express.
- indicativeServing as a sign
- tellingMeaningfully indicative
- eloquentFluent and persuasive
- loud and clearAudible and unambiguous
- crystal clearEntirely unambiguous, perfectly understood
conclusive · revealing · dead giveaway · significant · illustrative · body language · raised eyebrow · says it all · expressive · facial expressions · read between the lines · subtext · implication · nonverbal · unspoken words · tone · sincerity · unspoken