speak well/poorly for
phrase
chiefly US
: to show that (something or someone) does or does not deserve to be praised, admired, etc.
It speaks well for the company that it donates so much money to local charities.
The test results speak poorly for our school system.
Cite this Entry
“Speak well/poorly for.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/speak%20well%2Fpoorly%20for. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
