0 directly, or in a way that makes it very clear what you mean: --
I told her, in so many words, to stop interfering.
"Did he say he was unhappy with Anna?" "Well, not in so many words, but that was certainly the impression I got."
1 directly: --
I have never lied to him in so many words.
If that is so, surely it is to the advantage of everyone that it should be stated in so many words.
They said in so many words that they were quite clear that an inquiry into a number of matters ought to be made.
He says in so many words that something ought to be done about that because it is terrible.
I would not suggest that any démarche should be made at once or in so many words.
In fact, he said so in so many words.
I do not say that that is suggested in so many words.
That is simply saying, in so many words, that the matter was political, and not financial.
I think he said so in so many words.
