Meaning & use
you are bold
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Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
A statement that someone is brave and willing to take risks.
Grammar: Used as a complete sentence. 'Bold' is an adjective describing the person's character.
Patterns
- you are bold
- someone is bold
You asked the CEO for a raise in your first week — you are bold!
She moved to a new country alone at nineteen; she is bold.
You are bold to speak up when everyone else stayed silent.
phrasefixed phrasedisapproving
A remark that someone is too confident, forward, or rude, especially in a social situation.
Grammar: Often said with a disapproving tone. Compare 'that was a bold move' (could be praise or criticism).
Patterns
- you are bold
- that is bold
You are bold to wear jeans to a wedding — people will talk.
He asked for a discount after eating the whole meal; that was bold.
You are bold to criticize the boss in front of everyone.
Common combinations
- bold move
- Quitting without another job lined up was a bold move.
- bold enough to
- Are you bold enough to sing in public?
- be so bold as to
- May I be so bold as to suggest a different plan?
Synonyms and how they differ
- brave
- Brave means facing danger or fear; bold often adds confidence or a willingness to take risks.
- daring
- Daring suggests excitement and adventure; bold can also mean too forward in social situations.
- audacious
- Audacious is stronger and more formal, often suggesting shocking boldness.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: you are bold or bald?
you are bold vs bald
Bald means having no hair; bold means brave or confident. They sound similar but are very different.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'you are bold' as a criticism?
Choose one answer.
Asking for a refund after eating the food is socially forward or rude, so 'bold' criticizes the behavior. The other options describe bravery or willingness to try new things, which are positive uses.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “you are bold”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.