what gives
Demanding an explanation
What gives is an informal question expressing curiosity, confusion, or mild frustration about a situation.
It asks for an explanation: I've been waiting an hour—what gives?
The phrase often implies something is wrong or unexpected: You said you'd be here. What gives?
It can also be a simple inquiry into what's happening: So what gives with you two?
- how comeInformal query for reason
- shrugShoulder gesture of uncertainty
- sighAudible emotional breath
- whyReason-seeking query
- frownDisapproving facial expression
no way · hold up · wherefore · glare · spill the beans · cut the crap · exasperation · come on · scoff · out of the blue · indignation · seriously · for real · no kidding · you're kidding · bewilderment · scowl · sup
- confusionconfusion, confused, bewilderment, perplexity, baffled
- rhetorical questionswhy me, why bother, who knows, who cares, why not
- explanationswhy, how come, explication, definition, description
- exclamationsoh, yes, no, wow, hey
- greetingshi, hello, hey, hola, aloha
- interjectionsah, hey, aha, sheesh, oh
what givesno questions asked
Without requiring explanation
no worries · never mind · fair enough · say no more · I understand
what givesthat explains it
Now I understand
I get it · crystal clear · of course · I see · got it
what givescase closed
Matter finally resolved
enough said · that settles it · end of discussion · moving on · so be it
give, given, what, giving, forgive, forgiveness, forgiving, giver, gave