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in so many words

   Also found in: Dictionary/thesaurus, Legal, Financial, Encyclopedia 0.01 sec.
in so many words
Fig. exactly; explicitly; in plain, clear language. I told her in so many words to leave me alone. He said yes, but not in so many words.
See also: many, word
in so many words
directly or in a way that makes it very clear what you mean (usually negative) 'Did he say we could stay with him?' 'Well, not in so many words, but that's definitely what he meant.' He told me, in so many words, to mind my own business.
See also: many, word
in so many words
directly or very clearly He told me, in so many words, to mind my own business.
Usage notes: often used in the form not in so many words: She didn't say it in so many words, but it was clear that she thought I was wrong.
See also: many, word
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Reginald came this morning into my dressing-room with a very unusual solemnity of countenance, and after some preface informed me in so many words that he wished to reason with me on the impropriety and unkindness of allowing Sir James Martin to address my daughter contrary to her inclinations.
Lady Susan by Austen, Jane View in context
I had barely finished locking up my dispatch-box, when the ungrateful girl, whose reputation I have made, came into the room and told me in so many words that the business connection between us was for the present at an end.
No Name by Collins, Wilkie View in context
It was as if they said to me in so many words that literature which furnished the subjects of such pictures I could not hope to understand, and need not try.
My Literary Passions by Howells,William Dean View in context
 
 
 
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