The final say Meaning in English
expression
ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈfaɪnəɫ/ /ˈseɪ
thuh or thee FY-nuhl SAY
ðə, ði/ /fˈaɪnəl/ /sˈeɪ
thuh or thee FY-nuhl SAY
Definition
If someone has 'the final say,' they have the ultimate authority to make a decision and no one can overrule them.
Usage & Nuances
Used in both formal and informal contexts, often about authority in families, companies, or groups. Commonly appears as 'have the final say' or 'get the final say.' Not interchangeable with 'last word' (which also implies physically speaking last).
Spanish: la última palabra - la decisión finalPortuguese (BR): a palavra final - a decisão finalPortuguese (PT): a palavra final - a decisão finalChinese (Simplified): 最终决定权Chinese (Traditional): 最終決定權Hindi: अंतिम फैसलाArabic: الكلمة الأخيرةBengali: চূড়ান্ত সিদ্ধান্ত - শেষ কথাRussian: решающее слово - последнее слово (по решению)Japanese: 最終決定権Vietnamese: quyết định cuối cùngKorean: 최종 결정권Turkish: son sözü söyleme yetkisi - nihai kararUrdu: آخری فیصلہIndonesian: keputusan akhir - kata terakhir (keputusan)
Example Sentences
My mom always has the final say about family vacations.
basic
The boss has the final say in all important matters.
basic
Does the committee have the final say on the budget?
basic
You can suggest ideas, but Dad gets the final say.
natural
No one except the principal has the final say about school rules.
natural
Even if everyone disagrees, she’ll have the final say.
natural