Example: I don't want to state the obvious, but it is raining outside.
Definition
"To state the obvious" means to express something that is already clear or well-known to everyone involved, often implying that the statement is unnecessary or redundant. For example, saying "It is raining outside" when it is clearly visible.
The phrase "to state the obvious" combines the verb 'state,' meaning to express or declare, with 'the obvious,' referring to something easily perceived or understood. It originated as a straightforward expression used to highlight when someone is making an unnecessary or self-evident remark.
Learn to use this expression actively
"To state the obvious" appears in the Vocaplus list "English - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (C2) - set 1", containing 106 commonly used expressions.
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