in so many words

in so many words
phrasal
1. : in exactly those terms

implied that such actions were criminal but did not say so in so many words

2. : in plain forthright language

in so many words, she wasn't fit to be seen — Jean Stafford

* * *

in so many words
1. Explicitly
2. Bluntly
• • •
Main Entry:word

* * *

[often with negative] in the way mentioned

I haven't told him in so many words, but he'd understand

* * *

in so many words (also in as many words)
: in exactly those words or in exactly that way
— usually used in negative statements

“Did he say he wouldn't do it?” “Not in so many words, but that was the impression I got.”

• • •
Main Entry:word

Useful english dictionary. 2012.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • in so many words — {adv. phr.} 1. In those exact words. * /He hinted that he thought we were foolish but did not say so in so many words./ 2. or[in no uncertain terms] In an outspoken way; plainly; directly. * /I told him in so many words that he was crazy./ * /Bob …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • in so many words — {adv. phr.} 1. In those exact words. * /He hinted that he thought we were foolish but did not say so in so many words./ 2. or[in no uncertain terms] In an outspoken way; plainly; directly. * /I told him in so many words that he was crazy./ * /Bob …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • in\ so\ many\ words — adv. phr. 1. In those exact words. He hinted that he thought we were foolish but did not say so in so many words. 2. • in no uncertain terms In an outspoken way; plainly; directly. I told him in so many words that he was crazy. Bob was very late… …   Словарь американских идиом

  • in so many words — phrasal 1. in exactly those terms < implied that such actions were criminal but did not say so in so many words > 2. in plain forthright language < in so many words, she wasn t fit to be seen Jean Stafford > …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • in so many words — directly or in a way that makes it very clear what you mean. Did he say we could stay with him? Well, not in so many words, but that s definitely what he meant. (usually negative) He told me, in so many words, to mind my own business …   New idioms dictionary

  • in so many words — This phrase may be used to mean approximately or more or less . I think it may have a sarcastic connotation in that the individual listening needed so many words to get the point. It also may suggest the effort on the part of the speaker to… …   The small dictionary of idiomes

  • in so many words — adverb Verbatim; using exactly the given words. In so many words, he asked me to give him the answers to the test …   Wiktionary

  • in so many words — idi in unequivocal terms; explicitly: She told them in so many words to get out[/ex] …   From formal English to slang

  • in so many words — ► in so many words precisely in the way mentioned. Main Entry: ↑word …   English terms dictionary

  • How Many Words — Infobox Single Name = How Many Words Artist = Blake Lewis from Album = A.D.D. (Audio Day Dream) B side = Released = March 10, 2008 (U.S. radio) Format = Radio single Recorded = 2007 Genre = Pop Funk Hip hop Length = 3:34 Label = Arista Writer =… …   Wikipedia

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