to that effect

Idioms  

1. With that basic or general meaning, as in He said he was very worried, or words to that effect. This term is also put as to the effect that when introducing a clause, as in She was a little vague but said something to the effect that she'd repay the loan very soon. [Mid-1600s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

to that effect

In both cases, immigration officials said Contreras and Estrada were deported because they had orders to that effect pending from when they were much younger.

From Barron's ● Jul. 13, 2026

From the stage, O’Brien took a light jab at Netflix chief executive Ted Sarandos to that effect.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 16, 2026

In March 2025, the SDF signed a deal with the government to that effect.

From BBC ● Jan. 17, 2026

Others seemed ready to accept more modest punishments for women: an amendment to that effect failed in a 4–4 vote partly because Cash joined Democrats in opposing it.

From Slate ● Nov. 21, 2025

It is possible that Mr. Bear was framed, and we intend to produce evidence to that effect.

From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith