(not) in exactly the same words as sb says were used :
'Did she say she was sorry?' 'Not in so many words.'
He didn't approve of the plan and said so in as many words.
(not) in exactly the same words as sb says were used :
'Did she say she was sorry?' 'Not in so many words.'
He didn't approve of the plan and said so in as many words.
Oxford Advanced Learner's English Dictionary. Оксфордский английский словарь для изучающик язык на продвинутом уровне. 2005