30 Other Ways to Say “Happy Easter” (With Examples)
Quick answer: The warmest all-purpose alternative to “Happy Easter” is “Thinking of You This Easter and Sending a Little Warmth.” It feels personal, thoughtful, and welcoming without assuming how someone celebrates the holiday.
Looking for different ways to say happy easter that sound more meaningful than the usual holiday greeting? Whether you are writing a greeting card, sending a text, greeting a church friend, or wishing a coworker well, the right words can make your message feel more personal.
There is more than one way to wish someone a wonderful Easter. You can choose another way to say happy easter that expresses faith, love, peace, gratitude, or the excitement of spring. This collection covers different ways to wish happy easter, including funny puns, religious greetings, family messages, and professional expressions. If you are unsure what to say instead of happy easter, these 35 alternatives will help you find the right words for every occasion.
What Does “Happy Easter” Mean?
“Happy Easter” is a traditional holiday greeting used to wish someone joy and happiness during Easter. For Christians, Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and represents hope, faith, new life, and victory over death.
The holiday also has cultural and seasonal traditions, including Easter egg hunts, chocolate treats, family gatherings, decorated baskets, and the Easter Bunny. These customs make the celebration enjoyable for many families, including people who observe Easter primarily as a spring holiday.
According to the Cambridge Dictionary definition of Easter, Easter is a Christian religious holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The traditional greeting reflects the happiness and significance associated with the occasion.
Depending on the recipient, an Easter greeting can communicate several different sentiments:
- Joy: Wishing someone happiness during the holiday.
- Faith: Celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
- Hope: Sharing encouragement and the promise of new beginnings.
- Love: Reminding family and friends that they are appreciated.
- Renewal: Recognizing the arrival of spring and a fresh start.
Choosing the right alternative allows you to communicate the particular feeling you want to share rather than repeating the same greeting every year.
Is “Happy Easter” Professional or Polite to Say?
Yes, “Happy Easter” is generally polite and appropriate in both personal and many professional situations. It is a familiar greeting that can be used with friends, relatives, neighbors, coworkers, and clients, particularly when you know they celebrate the holiday.
In professional communication, the best approach is to keep the message courteous and considerate. You do not need to use deeply religious language when sending an Easter greeting to a colleague or business contact.
For example, “Wishing you a relaxing holiday weekend” is suitable for a general workplace message, while “May the joy of Christ’s resurrection be with you” is better reserved for someone whose Christian faith you know.
Consider these guidelines:
- With family and friends: Warm, affectionate, and personal greetings are appropriate.
- With Christian acquaintances: Religious Easter blessings and resurrection greetings may be meaningful.
- With coworkers: Choose friendly but professional language.
- With clients: Keep the greeting respectful, brief, and appropriate to the business relationship.
- With people whose beliefs you do not know: Consider a neutral message about enjoying the weekend or spring season.
Quick Top Picks: The 8 Best Alternatives at a Glance
If you need a greeting immediately, these eight options cover the most common Easter situations. Each one also appears in the detailed list below, where you can learn more about its tone and appropriate use.
- “He Is Risen!” – A traditional Christian Easter proclamation.
- “Happy Resurrection Day!” – A faith-centered alternative that highlights the meaning of Easter.
- “Thinking of You This Easter and Sending a Little Warmth.” – A personal greeting for friends and loved ones.
- “Have an Egg-cellent Easter!” – A playful greeting for friends and family.
- “May Your Egg Hunt Be Full of Hidden Treasures!” – A cheerful message for children.
- “May Spring Bring You Fresh Energy and New Beginnings.” – A secular greeting focused on renewal.
- “Wishing You a Relaxing Holiday Weekend.” – A professional and coworker-friendly option.
- “Easter Joy to You!” – A short greeting for texts and cards.

Religious and Resurrection Greetings: Other Ways to Say Happy Easter
For Christians, Easter is more than a seasonal celebration. It commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is central to Christian faith. Religious greetings often express gratitude, renewed faith, spiritual hope, and the joy of the resurrection.
If you are searching for ways to say happy easter religious, these expressions provide meaningful options for church friends, Christian family members, religious cards, and Easter Sunday services.
When considering what do christians say instead of happy easter, two particularly important expressions are “He Is Risen!” and “He Is Risen Indeed!” They are connected but serve different purposes: the first is a proclamation, while the second is a traditional response.
1. “He Is Risen!”
Tone and use: Joyful, traditional, and deeply religious. This is one of the most recognizable Christian Easter proclamations. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and works especially well in church greetings, religious cards, and conversations with Christian friends.
Example: “He Is Risen! May the joy and hope of Christ’s resurrection fill your heart this Easter Sunday.”
2. “He Is Risen Indeed!”
Tone and use: Reverent, affirmative, and celebratory. This expression is traditionally used as a response to “He Is Risen!” It confirms the proclamation and expresses shared Christian belief in the resurrection. It is particularly appropriate during Easter services and gatherings where this call-and-response tradition is practiced.
Example: When a church friend greets you with “He Is Risen!”, you can respond, “He Is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!”
3. “Christ Is Risen!”
Tone and use: Faithful, celebratory, and traditional. This is another established Christian proclamation that focuses directly on Jesus Christ. It is used in several Christian traditions, including Eastern Orthodox Easter celebrations, and is suitable for religious messages and church gatherings.
Example: “Christ Is Risen! May His victory over death bring renewed hope and strength to you and your family.”
4. “Happy Resurrection Day!”
Tone and use: Explicitly Christian, joyful, and meaningful. This greeting places the resurrection at the center of the celebration rather than focusing on Easter’s seasonal traditions. It is a natural choice for Christian friends, relatives, and church communities.
Example: “Happy Resurrection Day! May your heart be filled with gratitude for the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
5. “Rejoice in the Resurrection of Our Lord.”
Tone and use: Reverent, devotional, and celebratory. This expression is more formal than an everyday Easter greeting. It works well in church announcements, religious newsletters, Easter programs, and messages to people who appreciate traditional Christian language.
Example: “Rejoice in the Resurrection of Our Lord and celebrate the hope that His victory brings to all who believe.”
6. “May the Risen Christ Fill Your Home With Hope.”
Tone and use: Warm, spiritual, and heartfelt. This greeting combines a religious message with a personal wish for the recipient’s household. It is especially appropriate for Christian families, religious greeting cards, and Easter messages to close friends.
Example: “May the Risen Christ fill your home with hope, your heart with peace, and your family with lasting joy.”
7. “Alleluia! The Lord Is Risen!”
Tone and use: Worshipful, enthusiastic, and traditional. “Alleluia” is an expression of praise and joy commonly associated with Christian worship. Combined with the resurrection proclamation, it creates a strong religious greeting for Easter Sunday.
Example: “Alleluia! The Lord Is Risen! May this Easter renew your faith and strengthen your relationship with God.”
If you are wondering what to say instead of happy easter as a christian, “Christ Is Risen!” and “Happy Resurrection Day!” are two meaningful choices. Another way to say happy resurrection day is to focus on the hope of the risen Christ, especially when writing a personal religious message.
Classic and Warm Greetings for Family and Cards
Not every Easter greeting needs to be religious or humorous. Sometimes you simply want to express affection, gratitude, peace, or happiness to someone who matters to you.
These classic expressions offer another way to wish happy easter without relying on repeated adjective combinations. They work well in greeting cards, handwritten notes, family group chats, and personal conversations.
8. “May Your Home Be Filled With Laughter Around the Easter Table.”
Tone and use: Loving, family-oriented, and heartfelt. This greeting focuses on togetherness and the happiness of celebrating with loved ones. It is particularly suitable for relatives who host Easter brunch or dinner.
Example: “May your home be filled with laughter around the Easter table and beautiful memories with everyone you love.”
9. “Thinking of You This Easter and Sending a Little Warmth.”
Tone and use: Personal, affectionate, and thoughtful. This is another way to say happy easter to a friend when you want to make the message feel genuine rather than routine. It is also appropriate for relatives who live far away or cannot attend your celebration.
Example: “Thinking of you this Easter and sending a little warmth your way; I hope you have a lovely day with your family.”
10. “May Peace Find You in the Middle of a Busy Season.”
Tone and use: Gentle, comforting, and sincere. This greeting is particularly meaningful for someone dealing with a demanding schedule or a difficult period. It emphasizes emotional peace rather than the excitement of holiday celebrations.
Example: “May peace find you in the middle of a busy season, and may Easter give you a moment to rest and reconnect with loved ones.”
11. “Here’s to New Beginnings and the Courage to Welcome Them.”
Tone and use: Inspirational, optimistic, and encouraging. Easter is often associated with renewal and new beginnings, making this phrase suitable for someone starting a new chapter in life. It works nicely in personal cards and encouraging messages.
Example: “Here’s to new beginnings and the courage to welcome them; I hope this Easter brings you opportunities worth celebrating.”
12. “I’m Grateful for the Memories We Make Every Easter.”
Tone and use: Sentimental, appreciative, and personal. This expression is ideal for family members and close friends with whom you share holiday traditions. It communicates gratitude for the relationship rather than simply wishing someone a pleasant day.
Example: “I’m grateful for the memories we make every Easter, and I look forward to many more celebrations together.”
13. “May Love Be the Best Thing in Your Easter Basket.”
Tone and use: Affectionate, warm, and slightly poetic. Instead of focusing on chocolate or gifts, this greeting highlights the importance of love and relationships. It is suitable for parents, partners, siblings, and close friends.
Example: “May love be the best thing in your Easter basket, and may you always feel surrounded by people who care about you.”
14. “To a Season That Brings Us Back Together.”
Tone and use: Nostalgic, appreciative, and family-centered. This short toast-style greeting celebrates the opportunity to reconnect with relatives and friends. It is especially useful for Easter gatherings where family members travel to spend time together.
Example: “To a season that brings us back together, fills our tables with good food, and reminds us how much family means.”
Funny Easter Puns and Playful Greetings
Want to make someone smile? Funny ways to say happy easter can turn an ordinary holiday message into something memorable. Easter provides plenty of opportunities for wordplay involving eggs, bunnies, chicks, baskets, and chocolate.
The following expressions use different puns and constructions rather than repeating the same greeting with a different adjective. They are best suited to friends, siblings, children, casual cards, and social media captions.
15. “Have an Egg-cellent Easter!”
Tone and use: Cheerful, classic, and humorous. This familiar pun combines “egg” with “excellent” to create an Easter-themed greeting. It is easy to understand and works in almost any casual setting, particularly on greeting cards and social media posts.
Example: “Have an egg-cellent Easter filled with chocolate, laughter, and plenty of fun surprises!”
16. “Hoppy Easter—May Your Day Be Un-bunny-lievably Fun!”
Tone and use: Silly, energetic, and playful. This greeting uses bunny-related wordplay to create a cheerful Easter message. It is particularly appropriate for friends who enjoy puns and families sending lighthearted holiday greetings.
Example: “Hoppy Easter—may your day be un-bunny-lievably fun, with lots of chocolate and happy memories!”
17. “Hope Your Easter Is Egg-stra Special!”
Tone and use: Lighthearted, friendly, and enthusiastic. The playful spelling of “extra” makes this greeting instantly recognizable as Easter wordplay. It is a natural choice for casual texts, party invitations, and holiday cards.
Example: “Hope your Easter is egg-stra special this year, with your favorite people gathered around you!”
18. “Some-bunny Is Hoping You Have a Basketful of Laughs!”
Tone and use: Cute, humorous, and affectionate. This expression uses “some-bunny” as a playful replacement for “somebody.” It is especially suitable for close friends, children, and people who enjoy bunny-themed Easter decorations.
Example: “Some-bunny is hoping you have a basketful of laughs, sweet treats, and wonderful surprises this Easter!”
19. “Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Basket—Enjoy Every One!”
Tone and use: Clever, witty, and conversational. This greeting plays on the familiar expression about not putting all your eggs in one basket. The Easter twist makes it appropriate for someone who enjoys clever jokes and wordplay.
Example: “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket—enjoy every one of those chocolate treats and have a fantastic celebration!”
20. “You’re One Cool Chick—Have a Cracking Easter!”
Tone and use: Funny, casual, and affectionate. This greeting combines two pieces of chick-related wordplay to create a playful compliment. It works particularly well for close friends, siblings, and people who appreciate silly Easter humor.
Example: “You’re one cool chick—have a cracking Easter and enjoy every moment of the holiday!”
Cute Greetings for Kids
Children often enjoy Easter because of egg hunts, chocolate treats, colorful decorations, and visits from the Easter Bunny. Their greetings can be imaginative, cheerful, and easy to remember.
When writing Easter messages for children, use simple language that matches their age. You can focus on the excitement of finding eggs, receiving a basket, or spending time with family.
For more child-friendly holiday phrases, explore our collection of other ways to say trick or treat, which includes playful expressions for Halloween celebrations.
21. “May Your Egg Hunt Be Full of Hidden Treasures!”
Tone and use: Exciting, cheerful, and child-friendly. This greeting is perfect for young children participating in Easter egg hunts. It makes the activity sound like a treasure hunt and adds anticipation to the celebration.
Example: “May your egg hunt be full of hidden treasures, colorful surprises, and the biggest chocolate egg you’ve ever seen!”
22. “Bunny Hugs and Chocolate Kisses!”
Tone and use: Sweet, affectionate, and playful. This short expression combines two familiar Easter symbols to create a loving greeting for children. Parents, grandparents, and relatives can use it in cards, lunchbox notes, and Easter baskets.
Example: “Bunny hugs and chocolate kisses to my favorite little Easter explorer!”
23. “May the Easter Bunny Leave You a Basket of Magic!”
Tone and use: Imaginative, joyful, and whimsical. This greeting is ideal for younger children who enjoy the Easter Bunny tradition. It adds a sense of wonder to the holiday without becoming too complicated.
Example: “May the Easter Bunny leave you a basket of magic, colorful eggs, and all your favorite treats!”
24. “Ready, Set, Hop—Let the Egg Hunt Begin!”
Tone and use: Energetic, fun, and enthusiastic. This expression sounds like the beginning of an exciting game or race. It is particularly suitable for family egg hunts, school celebrations, and Easter morning activities.
Example: “Ready, set, hop—let the egg hunt begin, and may the fastest little bunny find the golden egg!”
Spring and Secular Greetings for Mixed Company
Not everyone celebrates Easter as a religious holiday. Some people enjoy the seasonal traditions, family meals, spring decorations, and time off without observing its Christian meaning.
When you are unsure about someone’s religious preferences, a seasonal greeting can be a thoughtful alternative. These messages emphasize sunshine, fresh beginnings, relaxation, and spending time with loved ones.
If you want more general seasonal expressions beyond Easter, you can also explore our collection of other ways to say Happy Sunday for friendly and welcoming weekend greetings.
25. “May Spring Bring You Fresh Energy and New Beginnings.”
Tone and use: Optimistic, refreshing, and encouraging. This expression focuses on the seasonal meaning of spring rather than religious beliefs. It is suitable for neighbors, acquaintances, coworkers, and friends who appreciate nature-inspired messages.
Example: “May spring bring you fresh energy and new beginnings, along with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the brighter days ahead.”
26. “Enjoy a Slow Morning, Good Company, and a Little Sunshine.”
Tone and use: Relaxed, friendly, and peaceful. This greeting encourages the recipient to enjoy a comfortable holiday morning without focusing on any particular tradition. It works well for casual messages to friends and relatives.
Example: “Enjoy a slow morning, good company, and a little sunshine; I hope you get some well-deserved time to unwind.”
27. “Here’s to Blooming Flowers and Brighter Days Ahead.”
Tone and use: Hopeful, poetic, and seasonal. This greeting uses spring imagery to communicate optimism and the arrival of warmer weather. It is a good choice for cards, social media captions, and messages to people who appreciate nature.
Example: “Here’s to blooming flowers and brighter days ahead, with plenty of happiness waiting around every corner.”
28. “Hope Your Weekend Is Filled With Good Food and Great Company.”
Tone and use: Casual, welcoming, and inclusive. This expression acknowledges the social side of the holiday without making assumptions about the recipient’s beliefs. It is especially suitable for neighbors, friends, and general group messages.
Example: “Hope your weekend is filled with good food and great company, and that you get plenty of time to enjoy yourself.”
29. “Wishing You a Peaceful Day of Rest and Renewal.”
Tone and use: Calm, considerate, and thoughtful. This expression emphasizes rest and personal well-being. It is appropriate for acquaintances, colleagues, and people who prefer understated holiday messages.
Example: “Wishing you a peaceful day of rest and renewal, with time to relax and enjoy the things that matter most.”
Professional and Coworker-Safe Greetings
When sending Easter wishes to colleagues, supervisors, clients, or business partners, choose wording that sounds polished without becoming overly formal. A professional greeting should acknowledge the holiday while respecting different personal and religious preferences.
These alternatives are useful for workplace emails, customer newsletters, business cards, and conversations with professional contacts.
30. “Wishing You a Relaxing Holiday Weekend.”
Tone and use: Courteous, neutral, and professional. This is a useful option when you know someone has time off around Easter but do not know whether they personally celebrate the holiday. It focuses on rest rather than religious observance.
Example: “Thank you for your continued support on the project; wishing you a relaxing holiday weekend with your loved ones.”
31. “Thank You for Your Partnership—Enjoy the Easter Break.”
Tone and use: Appreciative, professional, and friendly. This expression combines gratitude with a seasonal greeting. It is particularly appropriate for clients, suppliers, business partners, and colleagues with whom you have an established working relationship.
Example: “Thank you for your partnership and continued collaboration; enjoy the Easter break and we look forward to working together again soon.”
32. “Best Wishes to You and Your Family for the Easter Holiday.”
Tone and use: Respectful, polished, and traditional. This greeting is suitable for professional emails, business correspondence, and formal holiday cards. It acknowledges the occasion without using strongly religious language.
Example: “Best wishes to you and your family for the Easter holiday, and thank you for another successful year of collaboration.”
Short Greetings for Texts and Captions
Sometimes a short message communicates more than a lengthy greeting. If you are sending a quick text, posting a social media caption, or writing a small card, choose something simple and memorable.
These short easter greetings for texts and cards are easy to copy, personalize, and send. They also provide happy easter alternatives when you want to avoid the usual greeting without writing an entire paragraph.
33. “Easter Joy to You!”
Tone and use: Bright, cheerful, and concise. This expression is a simple way to share happiness without adding unnecessary words. It works well in text messages, social media captions, and short greeting cards.
Example: “Easter joy to you! Hope your Sunday is filled with smiles and beautiful moments.”
34. “Thinking of You Today.”
Tone and use: Personal, gentle, and affectionate. This short message is useful when you want to acknowledge someone during the Easter holiday without assuming how they celebrate. It is particularly suitable for friends and relatives who appreciate thoughtful communication.
Example: “Thinking of you today and hoping you get to enjoy some peaceful moments with the people you love.”
35. “Hope Your Day Holds Something Beautiful.”
Tone and use: Warm, poetic, and uplifting. This greeting is short enough for a text but carries a thoughtful sentiment. It is appropriate for friends, family members, and acquaintances who appreciate understated messages.
Example: “Hope your day holds something beautiful, whether it’s a family gathering, a quiet moment, or a reason to smile.”
Which One Should You Use? A Quick Guide
The best Easter greeting depends on your relationship with the recipient and the message you want to communicate. A church friend may appreciate a traditional resurrection greeting, while a coworker may prefer a neutral holiday message.
Use this guide to choose the most appropriate expression for common situations.
| Situation | Best Greeting | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Church friend | “He Is Risen!” | A traditional Christian proclamation that celebrates the resurrection. |
| Family Easter card | “May Your Home Be Filled With Laughter Around the Easter Table.” | Expresses affection, togetherness, and appreciation for family traditions. |
| Coworker or client | “Wishing You a Relaxing Holiday Weekend.” | Professional, courteous, and suitable for different religious backgrounds. |
| Kids | “May Your Egg Hunt Be Full of Hidden Treasures!” | Creates excitement and connects with a favorite Easter activity. |
| Quick Easter-morning text | “Easter Joy to You!” | Short, cheerful, and easy to send in a personal message. |
Before sending your greeting, think about three things:
- Your relationship: A close friend may appreciate humor, while a business contact needs a more professional expression.
- Your intended sentiment: Choose religious language for faith-based messages, warm wording for family, or seasonal expressions for mixed company.
- Your communication format: A text message should usually be shorter than a handwritten card or formal email.
Mistakes to Avoid
Even a well-intentioned Easter greeting can feel inappropriate if it does not match the recipient or situation. Keep these common mistakes in mind when choosing your words.
- Sending deeply religious greetings to mixed company without knowing their faith: Expressions such as “He Is Risen!” and “May Christ Bless Your Home” are meaningful to Christians, but they may not suit everyone. When you are unsure, choose a general message about peace, spring, or enjoying the weekend.
- Using bunny puns in a formal condolence-style card: Humor is welcome in casual Easter greetings, but it can sound insensitive when someone is grieving or dealing with a difficult personal situation. Choose gentle, compassionate wording instead.
- Relying on adjective-swapped greetings that all sound identical: Replacing “joyful” with “wonderful,” “beautiful,” or “delightful” does not necessarily create a genuinely different message. Instead, communicate distinct sentiments such as gratitude, hope, love, peace, or renewal.
- Forgetting that Orthodox Easter can fall on a different date: Many Orthodox churches observe Easter according to a different calendar calculation from Western churches, so the celebrations do not always fall on the same Sunday. If you are sending a date-specific greeting to an Orthodox friend, check which Easter date they observe rather than assuming it matches your calendar.
- Making professional greetings too personal: Avoid overly affectionate language with clients or business contacts unless you already have that kind of relationship. A simple, courteous message is usually more appropriate.
- Assuming everyone celebrates Easter: Some people observe the religious holiday, some enjoy its cultural traditions, and others do not celebrate it. Match your greeting to what you know about the recipient.

Frequently Asked Questions
What do Christians say instead of “Happy Easter”?
Christians commonly say “He Is Risen!”, “Christ Is Risen!”, or “Happy Resurrection Day!” to emphasize the religious meaning of Easter. A traditional response to “He Is Risen!” is “He Is Risen Indeed!” These expressions celebrate Jesus Christ’s resurrection and are especially appropriate for church gatherings, Christian family messages, and Easter Sunday services.
What does “He is risen indeed” mean, and when do you say it?
“He Is Risen Indeed” is a traditional Christian response affirming the belief that Jesus Christ has risen from the dead. It is commonly said after someone proclaims “He Is Risen!” or “Christ Is Risen!” during Easter services, church gatherings, and personal greetings. The exchange expresses shared faith and joy in the resurrection, although wording and customs can vary between Christian traditions.
What is a professional way to wish a coworker a happy Easter?
A professional way to greet a coworker is “Wishing you a relaxing holiday weekend” or “Best wishes to you and your family for the Easter holiday.” Both expressions are courteous and appropriate for workplace communication. If you know the coworker celebrates Easter, you can also use a direct greeting such as “Wishing you a wonderful Easter with your loved ones.”
What are some funny Easter greetings for friends?
Funny Easter greetings include “Have an Egg-cellent Easter!”, “Hoppy Easter!”, and “Hope your Easter is egg-stra special!” You can also use playful expressions such as “Some-bunny is hoping you have a basketful of laughs!” These greetings work particularly well in casual texts, social media captions, and cards for friends who enjoy Easter wordplay.
What can I text someone on Easter Sunday instead of “Happy Easter”?
You can text “Easter joy to you!”, “Thinking of you today,” or “Hope your day holds something beautiful.” These short expressions feel warm and natural without requiring a lengthy message. For someone close to you, add a personal detail, such as wishing them a relaxing morning or saying you hope they enjoy time with their family.
Is it appropriate to say “Happy Easter” to someone who doesn’t celebrate it?
It is generally polite to offer good wishes, but it is thoughtful to consider whether the person celebrates Easter. If you know they do not observe the holiday, a neutral greeting such as “Hope you have a peaceful weekend” or “Enjoy the beautiful spring weather” may be more appropriate. The goal is to communicate kindness without making assumptions about someone’s beliefs.
Conclusion
Finding other ways to say happy easter allows you to make your holiday messages more personal, thoughtful, and appropriate for different relationships. Whether you choose a traditional Christian proclamation, a heartfelt family greeting, a funny Easter pun, or a professional holiday wish, the best expression is one that genuinely reflects what you want to communicate.
Consider the recipient, match your tone to the occasion, and do not be afraid to add a personal touch. Sometimes a few sincere words about faith, friendship, gratitude, or new beginnings can make an Easter greeting much more memorable than a familiar phrase.