go so far as to say

go so far as to say (something)

To say something extreme, risky, or controversial. Often used in the negative. Although I wouldn't go so far as to say he's a coward, he definitely likes to avoid confrontation when he can. They went so far as to say they'd have their lawyer contact us if we didn't delete the video in question. I wouldn't go as far as to say it was a riot—I think it was just a bunch of rowdy kids causing trouble.

See also: far, go, say, to

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

go so far as to say something

to put something into words; to risk saying something. I think that Bob is dishonest, but I wouldn't go so far as to say he's a thief. Red meat may be harmful, but I can't go so far as to say it causes cancer.

See also: far, go, say, to

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.