Last Updated：2025/11/22

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

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left-handed compliment

Source Word

left-handed compliment

idiomatic

Japanese Meaning

表面上は褒め言葉に見えるが、実際には相手を皮肉ったり、批判的な含みを持つ発言。 / 賞賛の言葉を使いながらも、裏では相手を貶めるような意図や、失礼なニュアンスを含む表現。

When she said my report was "surprisingly coherent," I knew it was a left-handed compliment.

彼女が私の報告書を「思ったよりまとまっている」と言ったとき、それが皮肉めいた褒め言葉だと分かった。

Sense（1）

"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.

left-handed compliments

（ plural ）