In so many words meaning

What does the saying 'In so many words' mean?

Idiom: In so many words

Meaning:

This phrase may be used to mean 'approximately' or 'more or less'. I think it may have a sarcastic connotation in that the individual listening needed 'so many words' to get the point. It also may suggest the effort on the part of the speaker to explain an unpleasant truth or difficult concept.
Country: International English | Subject Area: General | Usage Type: Both or All Words Used
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