not to say
The phrase "not to say" is used to either clarify or intensify a statement, depending on the context.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
C1General
(disambiguation, clarification)Used to clarify that a statement does not imply something else, often to prevent misinterpretation.
Example
- I don't want to go out tonight, but that's not to say I don't enjoy your company.
C1General
(emphasis, intensification)Used to introduce a stronger or more extreme description of the preceding statement.
Example
- His behavior was unacceptable, not to say completely outrageous.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "not to say":