She ____ or expressed her reply in simple language: ‘absolutely not!’

verb

1. To lay (oneself) down for rest or sleep

   "The lion couched himself by a tree."

2. To embroider (a design) by laying down a thread and fastening it with small stitches at regular intervals
3. To place or hold level and pointed forward ready for use

   "Couching his lance, he seated himself firmly in his saddle …"

4. To phrase or express in a specified manner

   "The comments were couched in strong terms."

5. To lie down or recline for sleep or rest

   "the odd way a camel couches"

6. To lie in ambush

   "The tiger couches in the thick grass, watching its prey move closer."