not exactly
Definition of not exactly
informal
1 —used in speech as a mild way of saying “no” especially to indicate that what someone has said is not completely correct or true “He's your boss, isn't he?” “Not exactly.” “Did everything go the way you planned it?” “Not exactly.”
2 —used as a humorous or ironic way to say “not” He's not exactly the smartest guy I've ever met.
From the M-W Editors
Word by Word Definitions
exactlyplay
: in a manner or measure or to a degree or number that strictly conforms to a fact or condition
: in every respect : altogether, entirely
See the full definition of exactly
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