These are examples I found in dictionaries, textbooks, etc. The sentences in brackets are my understandings of the examples. I’d like to hear your comments on my understandings.
1.Collins:
--And you refused?
--Well, not exactly. I couldn’t say yes. (The fact is that ‘I’ refused.)
2. Webster:
2.1
--He’s your boss, isn’t he?
--Not exactly. (The fact is that ‘he’ isn’t ‘my’ boss.)
2.2
--Did everything go the way you planned?
--Not exactly. (The fact is that things didn’t go the way ‘I’ planned.)
3.Oxford:
--So he told you you’d got the job?
--Not exactly, but he said they were impressed with me. (The fact is that ‘I’ didn’t get the job.)
4.Longman:
--You hate Lee, don’t you?
----Not exactly. I just think he’s a bit annoying that’s all. (The fact is that ‘I’ hate Lee.)
5.English for Fun 7B, a textbook by DC Canadian Education Publishing:
There are only 26 letters in English. So English is an easy language to learn, right? Well, not exactly. (The fact is that English isn’t easy to learn, at least not as easy as you think.)
6.English Test, Senior High School Entrance Examination, Henan Province, China:
--You don’t like British breakfast, do you?
--Not exactly. I just need some time to get used to it. (The fact is that ‘I’ don’t like British breakfast, at least now.)