Are you looking for a way to inspire confidence in someone and tell them they can rely on you to deliver to their expectations? You could use "rest assured" to put their minds at ease. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The expression "rest assured" means "don't worry, you can put your faith and confidence in me." It's a way of inspiring someone to trust you and believe that you can deliver what they want for them.
When you say "rest assured" to someone, it is on the forefront of your mind and your top priority, and you are taking care of things on behalf of the other person's interests.
The expression inspires certainty in the other person and conviction in your words. If you tell someone, rest assured, they can leave it to you. You're saying they don't have to worry about it because you are taking care of it. They can relax and focus on other priorities while you work on the problem.
Example Usage
“Don’t worry, Mr. Maxwell. Rest assured, we have everything under control, and we will let you know the moment we receive any messages. Our team has the instructions.”
“Rest assured, I will find you, and I will introduce you to my full range of special skills designed to get you to talk.”
“Wouldn’t you know, that man just won’t let things go. Rest assured, he’s going to make our lives a living hell. I don’t know what we’re going to do about this problem now.”
“Rest assured, well, take care of that for you. There’s no reason to panic just yet. We’ve had this problem happen with a few clients, and we know how to handle it.”
“Yes, rest assured the judges will be looking at how they will change the criteria based on today's conditions. There’s no need for everyone to keep asking them about it every five minutes.”
“Rest assured, we’re looking into it, miss. We know you’re upset right now, but it’s best to go home and be with somebody who can help you calm down. Being here just interferes with our ability to do our investigation.”
Origin
The expression “rest assured” comes from the root word “rest,” meaning to remain or be left. Rest entered Old English in the mid-15th century from the French word “rester,” meaning “to remain.” The French word originates from the Latin word “restare,” meaning to stand left or back.
The phrase “rest assured” first appeared in the 16th and 17th centuries. It had the same meaning as it does today, implying “confidence” or assurance.”
Phrases Similar to Rest Assured
- Don’t worry.
- I have that under control.
Phrases Opposite to Rest Assured
- Panic.
- I have no idea.
What is the Correct Saying?
- Rest assured.
Ways People May Say Rest Assured Incorrectly
The phrase has nothing to do with telling someone that you’re resting. It means that the person you are talking to can rest and relax and leave you to handle it for them. It’s a saying meant to inspire confidence in the other person in your competency to get what they want.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Rest Assured
You can use the phrase “rest assured” when you want to inspire confidence in someone else. You could use it after your boss asks you for a status update on your project. Using “rest assured” to tell him you’re on it means that he doesn’t have to worry because you and your team are close to a solution and have everything under control.
The phrase suits social and professional use. You could use “rest assured” on the phone to let someone know that you are aware of what they are requesting and you are on top of the situation. It lets a person know that they don’t have to worry, and they can rely on you for the result they expect.