といっても過言ではない／といっても言い過ぎではない

Meaning

This grammar pattern is used when making evaluations and emphasizes that what might sound like an exaggeration is actually an accurate or fair assessment. It's attached to statements that could seem hyperbolic, but the speaker insists they are not overstated. The pattern essentially means 'it would be accurate to say that...' or 'it's fair to describe it as...'

Formation

Examples

1. 私の高校時代はほとんど野球に捧げたと言っても過言ではない。
   It would not be an exaggeration to say that I devoted nearly all of my high school years to baseball.

2. このドラマの視聴率はとても低い。ゴールデンタイムで、一番面白くないと言っても過言ではないだろう。
   This drama has extremely low ratings. It would not be an overstatement to say it's the most boring program in the prime time slot.

3. 彼はこんなに難しい数学問題でも解けるなんて、天才だと言っても過言ではない。
   The fact that he can solve even such difficult math problems means it's not an exaggeration to call him a genius.

Summary

• Used to emphasize that a seemingly exaggerated statement is actually accurate and fair
• Follows verb/adjective/noun + といっても過言ではない or といっても言い過ぎではない
• Common in evaluations and assessments to reassure the listener that no hyperbole is intended