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words of one syllable

words of one syllable {n. phr.}

Language that makes the meaning very clear; simple, or frank language. — Usually used after "in".

Mary explained the job to Ann in words of one syllable so that she would be sure to understand.

Some people say that John is cute and mischievous, but in words of one syllable, he's just a brat.

Compare: IN SO MANY WORDS, SPELL OUT.

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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms

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spell out

[spell out] {v.} 1. To say or read aloud the letters ot a word, one by one; spell. * /John could not understand the word the teacher was saying, so […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

in so many words

[in so many words] {adv. phr.} 1. In those exact words. * /He hinted that he thought we were foolish but did not say so in so many words./ 2. […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

syllable

[syllable] See: [WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE]. A Dictionary of American Idioms

one

[one] See: [AT ONE], [FOR ONE], [GO IN ONE EAR AND OUT THE OTHER], [HANG ONE ON], [HOLE IN ONE], [KILL TWO BIRDS WITH ONE STONE], [NUMBER ONE], [SIX OF […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

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