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Definition 2024


or_words_to_that_effect

or words to that effect

English

Phrase

or words to that effect

  1. (idiomatic) used to indicate a paraphrase or the chance of an error in the details of reported speech.
    When he hit his finger with the hammer, he said "ouch" or words to that effect.
    • 2004 August, Doug Stewart, “Shore Thing.”, in Smithsonian, volume 34, number 5:
      they were beyond earshot of the American commander, Capt. James Lawrence, who implored his men: "Don't give up the ship!" (or words to that effect).

Synonyms

  • (indicating paraphrase): OWTTE

Translations