go so far as to say (something)
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.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 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.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.