afraid to say

idiom

variants or sorry to say or regret to say
used as a way of expressing one's disappointment, regret, or sorrow
Most of us worked very hard, but she, I'm afraid to say, did no work at all.

Examples of afraid to say in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Quality bankers aren’t afraid to say when valuations are unrealistic or when the best move is to stay on the sidelines. Marc Cooper, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025 There was a while when people were afraid to say anything about Ace. Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 16 May 2025 Everyone is afraid to say too much about Wes Anderson's newest film, The Phoenician Scheme. EW.com, 14 May 2025 John Malkovich knows his worth and isn't afraid to say it aloud. Shania Russell, EW.com, 18 Feb. 2025 Matthews has never been afraid to say what’s on his mind. Jonas Siegel, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025 Don’t be afraid to say goodbye if a friendship isn’t serving you. Tracy Brower, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025 Evaluate your current initiatives, double down on those with demonstrable returns and don’t be afraid to say no to projects without a clear path to profitability. Sherzod Odilov, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024 If there’s something to be said, Roach isn’t afraid to say it. Parker Gabriel, The Denver Post, 22 Dec. 2024

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“Afraid to say.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/afraid%20to%20say. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.

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