rephrase

Rephrase: Say it again, only with different words.

Usually you have to rephrase things when the person you're talking to doesn't quite get the gist of what you're saying. You rephrase to be more direct.

Examples of rephrasing needs:

• Obscure euphemisms. "He's in there flogging the bishop" rephrases to the more prosaic "He is practicing onanism."
• Polite evasions. "My, what an interesting aroma" rephrases to the more vicious "Take a bath, stinkwort."
• English teachers. "He doesn't never want no interruptions" rephrases to "He hates being interrupted."
• Political correctness. "Any man who eats this cheese deserves what's coming to him" rephrases to "Any person who eats this dairy-enhanced product deserves what's coming to him or her."