be not the word for it

be not the word for it

Of a word or phrase, to not fully or adequately describe something. Angry? Angry isn't the word for it—I'm blinded with rage! Bad isn't the word for what they've done. It's despicable.

See also: not, word

not the word for it

not an adequate or appropriate description.

1992 European Travel & Life The landscape of Alaska has the power to overwhelm. ‘Beautiful’ is not the word for it.

See also: not, word

not be the ˈword for it

used to say that a word or an expression does not describe something fully or strongly enough: Unkind isn’t the word for it! I’ve never seen anyone treat an animal so cruelly!

See also: not, word