not in so many words—stated indirectly; not in these exact words:
- She would sometimes allude to this herself, though not in so many words. But the implication was clear.
without many words—without much discussion or deliberation:
- When he had a duty to perform, Dobbin was accustomed to go through it without many words or much hesitation.
See also: in a few well-chosen words / in a few words.