English Explanatory Dictionary

tell you what

English dictionary entry

Meanings

phrase
  1. Introduces a compromise or arrangement where the interlocutor has some benefit or advantage.
  2. Synonym of I can tell you.

Word forms

tell you what

Etymology

Ellipsis of I'll tell you what or I tell you what. The sense introducing an arrangement also corresponds to another, longer established collocation of I'll tell you what I'm gonna do or let me tell you what I'm gonna do.

Synonyms

I can tell you
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