in so many words
US /ɪn soʊ ˈmɛni wɜrdz/
UK /ɪn soʊ ˈmɛni wɜrdz/

1.
explicitly or directly; in plain terms
:
•
She didn't say in so many words that she was leaving, but her actions made it clear.
•
He never admitted in so many words that he was wrong, but he did apologize.