In so many words

Posted by Smokey Stover on March 18, 2005

In Reply to: In so many words posted by Smokey Stover on March 18, 2005

: : : What does the phrase "in so many words" mean

: : by innuendo

: I have always heard "in so many words" as having the sense of "exactly, explicity, without the least vagueness." Evidently this is what the editors of the OED think, as well: "b. in so many words (tr. L. totidem verbis, cf. So 37d): lit. in precisely that number of words; in those very words; also, {dagger}word for word." SS
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So let's have an example, made up, of course. Helen: So Roger proposed last night? Joan: Well, not in so many words. More by implication. H: He proposed by innuendo? And you accepted by hint? SS

• In so many words Fred 18/March/05
  • In so many words Steve E 18/March/05