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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]


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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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

At that point, if the president objects, he can write to that effect.

From Slate Apr. 15, 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

I mentioned something to that effect while we were doing the dishes, and Dussel launched into a veritable tirade.

From "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank

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