to that effect

Idioms  

1. With that basic or general meaning, as in He said he was very worried, or words to that effect. This term is also put as to the effect that when introducing a clause, as in She was a little vague but said something to the effect that she'd repay the loan very soon. [Mid-1600s]

---

Example Sentences

Under U.S. immigration law, migrants judged to be in danger of persecution in their home countries would only be sent to a third country if an immigration court issues a special order to that effect.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

Walker makes a jokey aside to that effect at the start of “Oedipus the King, Mama!”

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 5, 2025

It would primarily be about transgender athletes in sports or something to that effect.

From Slate • Jul. 26, 2025

His remarks to that effect came during a Monday morning all-hands meeting, per a report from Reuters.

From Salon • Jun. 3, 2025

Tateh threw a counter and some shelves in there, an old cash register, tacked up a sign outside that said “Shilsky’s Grocery Store” or something to that effect, and we were in business.

From "The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother" by James McBride