go so far as to say

go so far as to say (something)

To say something extreme, risky, or controversial. Often used in the negative. Although I wouldn't go so far as to say he's a coward, he definitely likes to avoid confrontation when he can. They went so far as to say they'd have their lawyer contact us if we didn't delete the video in question.See also: far, go, say

go so far as to say something

to put something into words; to risk saying something. I think that Bob is dishonest, but I wouldn't go so far as to say he's a thief. Red meat may be harmful, but I can't go so far as to say it causes cancer.See also: far, go, say