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UKbackhanded compliment
/bˈakhandɪd lˈɛfthˈandɪd kˈɒmplɪmənt/
/bˈækhændᵻd lˈɛfthˈændᵻd kˈɑːmplɪmənt/backhanded compliment
[PHRASE]
What is the origin of the idiom "backhanded compliment" and when to use it?
The origin of the idiom "backhanded compliment" is not tied to a specific historical event or source but rather emerges from the concept of delivering praise in a way that conceals criticism or negative intent. The term "backhanded" draws from the idea of using the back of one's hand, a less direct and more subtle approach, as opposed to a straightforward or open-handed compliment. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, interpersonal relationships, social gatherings, workplace settings, and even in discussions about public figures or public statements.
Examples
1. It's always like a backhanded compliment.
2. But for me and a lot of others, it just sounds like very much of a backhanded compliment.
3. Honestly it's nothing special and I know people try to mean it as a compliment, but it sounds like a backhanded compliment to the next deaf person who isn't oral at all.
4. It's just, I know people try to say you sound good, you sound, by the way it's just you sound well, for a deaf person, but it's just, it's just kind of like a backhanded compliment.
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