With All Due Respect: The Diplomatic Disagreeable
Ah, “With all due respect.” If I had a dollar for every time I’d heard this phrase used to cushion a blow of contradiction, I could afford to disagree with you full-time! This politely loaded idiom typically flags a forthcoming disagreement or controversial remark, but somehow manages to sound respectful—or at least attempts to!
Related and Similar Terms:
- “No offense, but…”
- “I don’t mean to be rude, but…”
- “Far be it from me to say, but…”
Definitions:
- With all due respect: A polite preface to a statement that might otherwise be outright offensive or blunt.
- No offense, but…: Another tantalizing disclaimer indicating that someone is about to say something which could cause offense.
- Far be it from me to say, but…: A more archaic way of trying to soften the subsequent critique or contradiction.
Synonyms for “With All Due Respect”:
- Politely disagreeing
- Courteously dissenting
- Tactfully opposing
Antonyms for “With All Due Respect”:
- Insultingly
- Disrespectfully
- Rudely
🤓 Quotable Quotes, Proverbs, and Referencables 🤓
Humor-filled Quote:
“With all due respect, my opinion is as valuable as a cheese grater in a chocolate factory—but I’ll offer it anyway!”
Proverb:
“Politeness costs nothing, but yields much.”
Literature, Books, Songs, Poems, and Films:
- Literature: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - Dear Mr. Darcy provides ample condescensions and polite refusals.
- Book: Les Misérables by Victor Hugo - The character Javert navigates the murky waters of respect and duty.
- Song: Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word by Elton John - A ballad involving regret and polite confrontations.
- Film: The King’s Speech - A story full of respectful, yet poignant interactions and speeches.
Quizzes: 🤯 Put on Your Thinking Hat! 🤠
🍎🥂 Inspirational and Thought-Provoking Farewell:
“As we part ways, remember—words have the power to build bridges and tear walls asunder. Use them respectfully, and you’ll walk a golden path between agreement and disagreement. Keep your mind open and your phrases colorful! Until next time, word adventurer!”
“W. T. Wittywords”, Publishing date: 2023-10-01
