Pronunciation: [az ðe͡ɪ sˈe͡ɪ] (IPA) 
The commonly used phrase "as they say" is spelled with the letter "a" pronounced as /æ/ and "ay" pronounced as /eɪ/. The stress falls on the second syllable, with the letter "e" pronounced as /eɪ/. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled [æz ðeɪ seɪ]. This phrase is used to introduce a well-known saying, proverb, or cliché, indicating that something is widely recognized or accepted as true.
"As they say" is a commonly used idiomatic phrase that typically introduces or emphasizes a well-known proverb, saying, or truism to support or illustrate a point being made in conversation or writing. It serves as a phrase of attribution, indicating that the speaker or writer is adopting, quoting, or referencing a widely recognized expression or shared wisdom.
This phrase highlights the acceptance or acknowledgment of a conventional belief, providing the speaker or writer a way to establish common ground with the audience in order to strengthen an argument or provide additional credibility to their statement. It implies that the following statement aligns with the general consensus or experience and is not a personal opinion or claim.
By using "as they say," individuals can invoke a sense of collective understanding or accepted cultural knowledge as they present ideas or impart advice. This phrase also functions as a rhetorical device to engage the listener or reader, showcasing both the speaker's or writer's familiarity with commonly used expressions and the assumption that the audience shares this familiarity.
Overall, "as they say" is a linguistic tool that allows individuals to draw upon shared cultural knowledge, using recognized proverbs or sayings to add weight to their arguments or discussions, while also indicating their awareness and respect for commonly accepted viewpoints.
