in no uncertain terms

Idioms and Phrases

Emphatically, definitely so. For example, Jane told them in no uncertain terms that she wanted no part of their practical joke . The double negative in this idiom serves for emphasis. [Mid-1900s] Also see in so many words .

Example Sentences

Countless former Trump administration officials risked their necks to say, in no uncertain terms, that this guy was even worse close up than he seemed from afar.

From Slate

The newest example in this genre: Concerning compounds in black plastic spatulas are migrating into our cooking oil, according to an article Atlantic titled in no uncertain terms: “Throw Out Your Black Plastic Spatula.”

From Slate

Bündchen has pushed back on rumors that she cheated on Brady with Valente while they were still married, telling the New York Times in March in no uncertain terms: “That is a lie.”

From Los Angeles Times

Bradbury and his co-authors analyzed, in no uncertain terms, that “no economic justification exists for subsidizing professional sports venues at observed levels.”

From Los Angeles Times

That is, in no uncertain terms, an unequivocal loss for the Harris-Walz ticket, and a massive missed opportunity with only a month left to go.

From Slate

Related Words

• categorically
• explicitly
• plainly
• pointedly
• specifically
• unequivocally
• unmistakably