Not to put too fine a point on it

usgb
phrase

To say something clearly and without avoiding unpleasant or offensive details.

Not to put too fine a point on it, the project was a disaster.
Visual representation of "not to put too fine a point on it" - To say something clearly and without avoiding unpleasant or offensive details

Often appears as...

  • not to put too fine a point on it
  • but...

Usage tips

Colloquial, Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "not to put too fine a point on it"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Directness

The phrase is used to be blunt and doesn't beat around the bush, meaning the speaker gets straight to the point.

Illustration for Directness
Not to put too fine a point on it, your work has been unsatisfactory.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Softening Blow

Despite its directness, it often signals that the speaker wants to soften the impact of a critical statement that follows.

Illustration for Softening Blow
Not to put too fine a point on it, but your argument is flawed at its core.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Colloquial Use

It's a conversational phrase, used more in spoken English or casual writing, not in formal texts.

Illustration for Colloquial Use
Not to put too fine a point on it, but we're in a bit of a mess here.
Visual representation of the word "Not to put too fine a point on it"

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