[A shortening of L. verbum sapienti sat est ‘a word is sufficient to a wise person.’] A phrase used in place of making a full statement or explanation, implying that an intelligent person may easily infer what is left unsaid, or understand the reasons for reticence.
Examples of the full phrase, and of the shortened forms verbum sapienti (sat), occur in English works from at least 1602 onwards. The wording appears to be a combination of verbum sat est (see next) and dictum sapienti sat est, both of which are used by Plautus, the latter also by Terence.
1818. T. Moore, Fudge Fam. in Paris, vi. 6. But never fear—I know my chap, And he knows me, too—verbum sap.
1828. Lytton, Pelham, xxiv. I am very sorry I could not see you to breakfast—a particular engagement prevented me—verbum sap.
1862. W. Collins, No Name, III. 12. I say no more. Verbum sap.
