Exactly. For example, there's an enormous difference between someone saying "I'd like to choke that guy" in exasperation, and someone saying "I'd like to choke that guy" while discussing the weekend's plans with their friends. People say exaggerated things all the time and it's generally understood as not expressing their genuine intent.

A popular cultural example: "I shot the clerk?". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SbI_lGPahg