mince (one's) words

mince (one's) words

To speak vaguely or indirectly. Often used in the negative to convey the opposite, meaning that one speaks without regard to whether their words may upset someone. Can be used with or without a possessive. I hate to watch debates, which are really just two-hour marathons of talking heads mincing words. Wow, your aunt really doesn't mince her words. Is my sweatshirt really that ugly? Let me know what you think of the story when you're done, and, please, don't mince words.

See also: mince, word

mince (one's) words

to soften the effect of one's words. Tell me what you think, and don't mince your words. A frank person never minces words.

See also: mince, word