mince matters

Idioms  

1. Also, mince words. Moderate or restrain one's language to be polite or avoid giving offense. Today these phrases are nearly always put negatively, as in Not to mince matters, I feel he should resign, or Don't mince words—say what you mean. The usage dates from the mid-1500s and transfers cutting something such as meat into small pieces to minimizing the harsh impact of words.

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Example Sentences

Not to mince matters, the affair happened in this way, and I speak on excellent authority.

From An Englishman in Paris Notes and Recollections by Albert D.

What need was there for him to mince matters?

From Norine's Revenge; Sir Noel's Heir by Fleming, May Agnes

It seems that when he was angry the Maréchal didn't mince matters, and used most emphatic expressions.

From Letters of a Diplomat's Wife 1883-1900 by Waddington, Mary King

"We need not mince matters," pursued Fell, slowly.

From The Mardi Gras Mystery by Bedford-Jones, H. (Henry)

On the fourth morning Wulf found his patient sufficiently recovered to be spoken to plainly as to the future, and he did not mince matters.

From Maid of the Mist by Oxenham, John