The phrase "told-you-so" describes an attitude or statement made after a prediction or warning has come true, especially when the outcome is negative for the other party. It signifies a smug satisfaction in being proven correct, often accompanied by a lack of empathy for the other person's predicament. It can be delivered verbally, through body language, or in written form. The tone typically carries a sense of superiority and a desire to emphasize the other person's mistake or the speaker's foresight. While sometimes used harmlessly, it can often be perceived as insensitive and dismissive, particularly when the situation is challenging for the individual on the receiving end of the "told-you-so" statement. The phrase highlights the speaker's validation and may inadvertently exacerbate negative feelings associated with a failure. The core sentiment centers on the speaker's vindication, occasionally overshadowing the original concern or problem at hand.
Told-you-so meaning with examples
- After Mark ignored the weather forecast and got caught in a downpour, Sarah simply offered a 'told-you-so' look, refusing to let him use her umbrella. He was soaked and miserable, but she didn't offer any assistance. Her expression said it all. He knew he had made a mistake and would later regret his arrogance in not heeding the warning.
- The company's stock plummeted after a series of poor decisions. Despite warnings from financial analysts, the CEO doubled down. When the inevitable collapse occurred, many former employees and shareholders, after losing their jobs, adopted a subtle 'told-you-so' attitude online about the company, even though it offered them no financial gain.
- When Liam crashed his new bicycle after attempting a complicated trick without practice, his older brother's reaction was a classic 'told-you-so'. He simply pointed to the broken bike and said, “I told you to practice first.” Liam felt more frustrated by his brother’s tone than by the accident itself. The lack of sympathy felt worse than the scrapes.
- Following the disastrous decision to invest heavily in a new technology, which the market rejected outright, the senior partner couldn’t resist the temptation to express his 'told-you-so' sentiment during the emergency board meeting, which was more damaging than the failed investment itself. His words added insult to injury, creating conflict during a challenging situation.