left-handed compliment
Definitions
A complimentary remark which is ambiguous or ineptly worded, so that it may be interpreted as having an unflattering or dismissive sense.
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
B2
Upper Intermediate
This word is part of the CEFR B2 vocabulary — upper intermediate level.
This word is part of the CEFR B2 vocabulary — upper intermediate level.
See also
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