The phrase "for what it's worth" is an informal idiom used to introduce an opinion, advice, or information while expressing modesty or uncertainty about its value or usefulness. It signals that the speaker is not sure how important or helpful their words will be to the listener and often serves to soften the statement to avoid sounding arrogant or imposing
. It can be understood as saying, "I offer this, but I don't know if it will matter much," or "This is just my opinion, take it or leave it." It is commonly used to preface comments that may not decisively resolve an issue but might still be helpful or worth considering
. Examples include:
- "For what it's worth, I think you made the right decision."
- "For what it's worth, I believe giving it a try could lead to positive outcomes."
The phrase originated from the 1960s song "For What It's Worth" by Buffalo Springfield and has since become a common idiom in English
. In summary, "for what it's worth" means offering a statement or opinion humbly, acknowledging it may not be very valuable or impactful to the listener but sharing it nonetheless
