Meaning of left-handed compliment | Babel Free

Definitions

A complimentary remark which is ambiguous or ineptly worded, so that it may be interpreted as having an unflattering or dismissive sense.

idiomatic

Examples

“"We have sat through the whole of dinner and not once mentioned politics." "You made us forget them," Tallente murmured. "A left-handed compliment," Jane laughed.”

“In a somewhat left-handed compliment, UN Secretary-General U Thant described Russia's new bosses as "competent and unpretentious."”

“[C]alling someone a "neglected master" makes for one hell of a left-handed compliment.”

CEFR level