Compliment
81left-handed compliment — A left handed compliment is one that sounds like praise but has an insulting meaning. ( Backhanded compliment is an alternative form.) …
82complement, compliment — Complement implies something which completes: This jewelry will complement your dress. A compliment is flattery or praise: Beulah enjoyed the compliment paid to her …
83complement, compliment — The words come from the same Latin root, complere, meaning to fill up, but have long had separate meanings. Compliment means to praise. Complement has stayed closer to the original meaning: it means to fill out or make whole. As such, it… …
84complement, compliment — The words come from the same Latin root, complere, meaning to fill up, but have long had separate meanings. Compliment means to praise. Complement has stayed closer to the original meaning: it means to fill out or make whole. As such, it… …
85backhanded\ compliment — n. phr. A remark that sounds like a compliment but is said sarcastically. Not had for a girl the coach said, offering a backhanded compliment …
86fish\ for\ a\ compliment — v, phr. To try to make someone pay a compliment. When Jim showed me his new car, I could tell that he was fishing for a compliment …
87return\ the\ compliment — v. phr. To say or do the same to someone that he has said or done to you; pay someone back. Mary said, I love your new hairdo and Suzy returned the compliment with What a pretty dress you re wearing, Mary. John punched Jerry in the nose, and… …
88backhanded compliment — A remark that appears to express admiration but could also be interpreted as an insult is called a backhanded compliment. He said my presentation was surprisingly clear . How s that for a backhanded compliment! …
89left-handed compliment — A left handed compliment is one that sounds like praise but has an insulting meaning. ( Backhanded compliment is an alternative form.) (Dorking School Dictionary) …
90fish for a compliment — hint that he wants a compliment If Al mentions cars, he s fishing for a compliment on his Jaguar …