the ayes have it
The phrase "the ayes have it" is commonly used in legislative and formal voting contexts to indicate that a proposal or motion has been approved by a majority of affirmative votes.
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Definition
C1Legislative Procedures
(formal, idiomatic)Indicates that a proposal or motion has been approved by a majority of affirmative votes.
Example
- After the votes were counted, the speaker announced, 'the ayes have it,' and the bill was passed.
- In the committee meeting, it was clear that the ayes have it, and the new policy was adopted.
C1General Usage
(figurative)Indicates that the majority agrees or supports something.
Example
- When it comes to choosing the venue for the party, the ayes have it; we're going to the beach.
- In the end, the ayes have it, and the project will move forward as planned.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "the ayes have it":