What does “In no uncertain terms” mean?
"In no uncertain terms" means expressing something in a very clear and direct manner.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He told her in no uncertain terms that he never wanted to see her again.
Example
The boss made it clear in no uncertain terms that the project needed to be completed by the end of the week.
Example
She expressed her disappointment in no uncertain terms when she found out about the cancellation
Is “In no uncertain terms” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“In no uncertain terms” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “In no uncertain terms” effectively in context?
You can use "In no uncertain terms" to emphasize that something is being expressed in a very clear and direct manner. It is often used when someone wants to make their point or opinion absolutely clear and leave no room for misunderstanding. For example, if you want to firmly reject an invitation, you might say, 'I told him "in no uncertain terms" that I would not be attending the party.'
- 1Relationships
He told her in no uncertain terms that he never wanted to see her again.
- 2Work
The boss made it clear in no uncertain terms that the project needed to be completed by the end of the week.
- 3Disappointment
She expressed her disappointment in no uncertain terms when she found out about the cancellation.
Similar phrases to “In no uncertain terms”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “In no uncertain terms” come from?
The origin of the phrase "In no uncertain terms" is unknown.
Is “In no uncertain terms” common in everyday conversation?
"In no uncertain terms" is a relatively common expression in everyday conversation. It is often used to emphasize the clarity and directness of a statement or message.
What tone does “In no uncertain terms” have?
"In no uncertain terms" conveys a tone of firmness and clarity. It is used to assert a point or opinion in a strong and unambiguous manner.
Can “In no uncertain terms” be used in informal and formal settings?
"In no uncertain terms" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in various contexts to emphasize clarity and directness. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He told her "in no uncertain terms" that he never wanted to see her again.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying '"In no uncertain terms"!' to imply a clear and direct statement.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- unequivocally
- definitely
- absolutely
- clearly
- explicitly
- decisively
- categorically
- unambiguously
- without a doubt
- without question
