# or words to that effect

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/or-words-to-that-effect
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

used to indicate a paraphrase or the chance of an error in the details of reported speech.

## Examples

- He said he was busy, or words to that effect.
- She told me the project was cancelled, or words to that effect, so I stopped working on it immediately.
- The witness claimed the defendant had threatened him, or words to that effect, leaving the jury to interpret the exact nature of the warning.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.