say goodbye

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say goodbye (third-person singular simple present says goodbye, present participle saying goodbye, simple past and past participle said goodbye)

1. (literal sense) To wish someone farewell upon their leaving.
   • 1967, Lennon–McCartney (lyrics and music), “Hello, Goodbye”, performed by The Beatles:

     Hello, hello / I don't know why you say goodbye, I say hello

2. (idiomatic) To separate from someone or something.

   If we can't agree on whether to have children, maybe it's time to say goodbye.

3. (idiomatic, figurative) To cease to have, or have to do, something.

   Say goodbye to long waits at the airport with our new preboarding service.

   You can say goodbye to your inheritance if you annoy your parents too much!

• (separate from someone): take one's leave

• say hello
• wave goodbye