When explaining a quote should you begin your sentence with In other words?

No. Beginning your sentence with "in other words" when explaining a quote is not recommended. "In other words" implies a direct translation or synonym, which is not the purpose of explaining a quote. Explanations delve deeper into the meaning, context, or ideas conveyed in the quoted text. It's better to use phrases such as "This quote means," "The quote suggests," or "By stating this, the author implies..." to provide an accurate interpretation of the quote's significance.