нечего сказать

• НЕЧЕГО СКАЗАТЬ coll

[Invar; fixed WO]

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1. [Interj]

⇒ used to express displeasure with, indignation at, or an ironic attitude toward s.o., sth., or, occas., o.s. (used in conjunction with a word or phrase expressing a positive evaluation to emphasize that this word or phrase is used ironically):

- (a fine (nice, brilliant etc) [NP]), I must say!;

- (a fine (nice, brilliant etc) [NP]), indeed (to be sure)!;

- some [NP] (he (that etc) is)!

     ♦ "Поздравляю, господин исправник. Ай да бумага! По этим приметам немудрено будет вам отыскать Дубровского. Да кто же не среднего роста, у кого не русые волосы, не прямой нос да не карие глаза!.. Нечего сказать, умные головушки приказные" (Пушкин 1). "I congratulate you, Mr Chief of police. What a document! It'll be easy to trace Dubrovsky from such a description! Who is not of medium height? Who has not got fair hair - or a straight nose, or brown eyes?...I must say, these officials are clever fellows!" (1b).

     ♦ Хорош, нечего сказать! Опять двойку принёс - уже вторую на этой неделе. You're a fine one indeed! This is the second "D" you've brought home this week.

     ♦ "Хорош, нечего сказать! хорош мальчик!.. Отец на одре лежит, а он забавляется, квартального на медведя верхом сажает. Стыдно, батюшка, стыдно!" (Толстой 4). "A fine fellow, to be sure! A fine fellow!...His father is on his deathbed, and he amuses himself by mounting a policeman on a bear. For shame, sir, for shame!" (4a).

2. obs [usu. sent adv (parenth)]

⇒ (used to confirm the truth and indisputable nature of what is being stated) truly, without question:

- there's no denying it;

- you (one) cannot deny it;

- [in limited contexts] and (make) no mistake (about it).

     ♦ "Что будет -то будет, - сказала попадья, - а жаль, если не Владимир Андреевич будет нашим господином. Молодец, нечего сказать" (Пушкин 1). "What will be, will be," said the priest's wife. "But it'll be a pity if Vladimir Andreyevitch does not become our master. He is a fine young man, and no mistake" (1b).