to the effect that


to the effect that

Of or having the general meaning that. I didn't catch the whole meeting, but I heard something to the effect that we would begin receiving yearly bonuses again this year. Analysts' reactions to the president's speech have largely been to the effect that he focuses far too little on the economy and far too much on foreign policy.See also: effect, that

to the efˈfect that...

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to this/that efˈfect

used when giving the basic meaning of what somebody has said or written, without using their exact words: A letter was sent to the employees to the effect that the store would have to close down. ♢ She told me not to interfere, or words to that effect.See also: effect

to the effect that

With the general meaning that: He said something to the effect that he was sorry.See also: effect, that