or words to that effect

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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, page 90:

     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).

• (indicating paraphrase): OWTTE

• in so many words