Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To communicate an idea, feeling, or intention through one's actions, behavior, or the consequences of a situation, rather than through direct verbal statement. It implies that an action or outcome serves as a signal or indicator.

Usage

This phrase is used to describe how actions, results, or circumstances indirectly convey a significant meaning or lesson. The "message" is understood from the context, not spoken aloud. It often carries a tone of warning, implication, or instructive consequence.

Examples

• Verb:
  • The government's swift action sends a clear message that corruption will not be tolerated.
  • Failing to enforce the rules sends the wrong message to students about accountability.
  • Her success sends a powerful message to other young women in the field.

Advanced Usage

• "to send a strong message": To communicate an idea with significant force or clarity through actions, often as a deterrent or strong statement of principle.
  • The court's harsh sentence sends a strong message to potential offenders.
• "to send the wrong message": To inadvertently communicate an undesirable or incorrect idea through one's actions or decisions.
  • Accepting such behavior sends the wrong message about our company's values.

Variants and Related Words

• Message (n): A verbal, written, or recorded communication. Also, the implicit meaning or lesson derived from an event.
• Signal (v): To indicate or communicate something, often non-verbally.
• Convey (v): To communicate or make known an idea or feeling.

Synonyms

• Signal
• Indicate
• Demonstrate
• Show

Related Phrases

• Actions speak louder than words: (Idiom) What someone does is more important than what they say, closely related to the concept of "sending a message" through behavior.

Verb

1. give or constitute a signal, not necessarily verbally
   • The lack of good teachers sends a strong message to all parents in the community