put it mildly
Soften one's words
To put it mildly is to deliberately understate something, suggesting the reality is more extreme than one's words convey.
The phrase signals that a stronger characterization would be justified: The project has challenges, to put it mildly implies serious problems.
Often used for ironic effect or diplomatic restraint when the truth is harsh.
- understateExpress with restraint
- to say the leastPhrase signaling understatement
- tone downReduce intensity or volume
- soft-pedalDiminish stated significance
- lessenReduce in degree
litotes · euphemize · downplay · sugarcoat · white lie · minimize · nuance · discretion · shall we say · beat around the bush · wince · irony · diplomatic · circumlocution · in so many words · idiom · tactful · squirm
put it mildlyexaggerate
Overstate beyond truth
overstate · blow out of proportion · hyperbolize · lay it on thick · dramatize
put it mildlynot mince words
tell it like it is · pull no punches · lay it on the line · speak plainly · call a spade a spade
puts, putting, putter, output, itself, mild, mildly, milder, mildest