or words to that effect: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘or words to that effect’ mean?
"Or words to that effect" is an idiomatic phrase used to suggest that the exact words or details are uncertain or approximate, but convey a similar meaning or idea.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "say that" is used to express surprise or disbelief when someone makes a statement that is unexpected or hard to believe.
The idiom "same difference" is used to express the idea that two things may seem different but are actually quite similar or have no significant difference.
The idiom "room for doubt" means that there is uncertainty or a lack of complete confidence in something.
When something "remains to be seen", it means that the outcome or truth is uncertain and will only become clear in the future.
The idiom *quote unquote* is used to indicate that the words or phrase being quoted are sarcastic, ironic, or not to be taken literally. It is often used to indicate skepticism or to distance oneself from the quoted expression.
One meaning of the idiom "play on words" is when a word or phrase is used in a clever or amusing way to create a double meaning or a pun.
The idiom "or what" is used as a rhetorical question to emphasize a statement or assertion that is strongly believed or supported. It is often used to express certainty, determination, or defiance. The phrase is typically used in informal or spoken language.
The idiom "or something" is used to suggest an uncertainty or vagueness. It implies that there may be additional information or options available, but the speaker is unsure or does not want to specify them.
*or else* is an idiom used to convey a consequence or alternative outcome that will occur if a specific action is not taken or a condition is not met.
The Enigmatic Significance
The idiom "or something" is a related expression that is commonly used in English language. It is similar to "or words to that effect" in that it also allows for a flexible and approximate representation of an idea or statement. When someone says "or something," they are indicating that there may be additional possibilities or variations that they are not explicitly mentioning. This phrase is often used when the speaker wants to convey a general concept without getting into specific details.
Another related idiom is "or what," which is used to express doubt or disbelief. When someone says "or what," they are challenging or questioning the validity of a statement or suggestion. This phrase is often used to provoke a response or to indicate skepticism. Like "or words to that effect," it can be employed to convey a general idea or sentiment without providing a direct quotation.
The idiom "not to put too fine a point on it" is also associated with "or words to that effect." When someone says "not to put too fine a point on it," they are emphasizing or drawing attention to a particular point or statement. This phrase is often used to underscore the importance or significance of what is being said. Like "or words to that effect," it allows for a concise and impactful way of expressing a specific idea or opinion.
The idiom "or words to that effect" is commonly used in English language to convey a close approximation or general idea of what was said or intended. It is similar to related idioms such as "or something," "or what," and "not to put too fine a point on it," which offer flexibility, doubt, and emphasis respectively. These idioms provide a conversational and informal way of expressing meaning and conveying ideas in a concise and effective manner.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *or words to that effect* can be used in a sentence:
- She said she was tired or words to that effect, implying that she didn't want to continue the conversation.
- The politician promised to lower taxes or words to that effect, but never followed through on his promises.
- He told me to give him the money or words to that effect, making it clear that he expected immediate payment.
More "Miscellaneous" idioms
