it goes without saying — obviously / as everyone knows
expressionC1IELTS 7+formaloccasional
Used to introduce something that is so clear or generally accepted that it doesn’t really need to be stated, but you mention it anyway for emphasis or politeness.
Say it like a native
Textbook It is self-evident and requires no articulation that safety is paramount.
Native It goes without saying that safety comes first.
The chunk is the idiomatic opener; the literal 'self-evident and requires no articulation' is pompous.
Pattern: it goes without saying (that) [clause]
In use
- It goes without saying that you should always check your work before handing it in.daily life
- It goes without saying that technology has changed the way we communicate, but I think face-to-face interaction is still very important, especially in building strong relationships.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ It goes without to say that he agreed.
✓ It goes without saying that he agreed.
It's 'without SAYING' (-ing form), not 'to say'.
Common collocations
it goes without saying— it goes without saying that, goes without saying, but it goes without saying
Don't confuse it
Compare with 'of course', which is shorter and more casual. 'It goes without saying' is often used to introduce a statement, while 'of course' can stand alone as a response.