mince words

USAGE SUMMARY

'mince words' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe situations in which someone has avoided or softened the truth or is speaking with careful choice of words. For example: "When I asked about the reasons for the lay offs, my boss started to mince words and didn't give me a direct answer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He didn't mince words.

The New York Times

But why mince words?

The New York Times - Style

O.K., let's not mince words.

The New York Times

Let's not mince words here.

The New York Times

Lassila did not mince words.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr Obama didn't mince words.

The Economist

He did not mince words.

The New York Times

Well, I won't mince words.

The New Yorker

So let's not mince words.

The New York Times

And it must not mince words.

The New York Times

Mr. Thompson did not mince words either.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mince words" when you want to emphasize that someone is being evasive or indirect in their communication. This can add a layer of criticism or skepticism to your writing.

Common error

While "mince words" is widely understood, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more neutral phrases like "be direct" or "state explicitly" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mince words" functions as a verb phrase, typically used with auxiliary verbs (e.g., "didn't mince words", "won't mince words"). It describes a manner of speaking, specifically the avoidance of directness or bluntness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mince words" is a verb phrase used to describe the act of avoiding directness and bluntness in speech. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media. While the phrase can be used in various contexts, it is most often implemented to comment on a person's lack of candor. When writing, it's crucial to consider the audience and context before using "mince words", opting for a more neutral tone in formal settings. Related phrases include "beat around the bush" and "speak plainly", providing alternative ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mince matters

A more formal and less common alternative to "mince words", referring to avoiding directness in a broader sense.

call a spade a spade

Means to speak directly and frankly, even if it's unpleasant.

pull no punches

Suggests delivering a message forcefully and without holding back.

beat around the bush

Indicates avoiding the main point by talking about unimportant things.

be forthright

Implies being direct and honest in communication.

speak plainly

Refers to expressing oneself in a clear and straightforward manner.

be upfront

Means being honest and open from the beginning.

sugarcoat the truth

Implies making something seem more pleasant than it is.

couch one's language

Means to express something indirectly or vaguely.

soften the blow

Suggests making bad news or criticism easier to accept.

FAQs

What does "mince words" mean?

To "mince words" means to avoid speaking directly and frankly, often using euphemisms or softening the truth to avoid causing offense or being too blunt.

How can I use "mince words" in a sentence?

You can use "mince words" to describe someone who is being evasive or indirect, for example: "The politician didn't "mince words" when criticizing the new policy."

What are some alternatives to "mince words"?

Alternatives include "beat around the bush", "speak plainly", or "pull no punches", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to "mince words" or be direct?

Whether to "mince words" or be direct depends on the situation. Directness can be effective but may be perceived as rude, while mincing words can soften the impact but may lack clarity. Consider your audience and the potential consequences of each approach.