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Back handed compliment.
(USA) A compliment that also insults or puts down at the same time.
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On the other hand, compliments that overvalued a child's accomplishments, such as, "You're so smart," tended to result in narcissistic attitudes.
Sparkling wine in hand, compliments upon checkin, we dropped our bags and made a toast to the weekend to come.
I meet him in the middle of the road and shake his hand, complimenting him on his killer suit.
Vaughan pats the back of his hand in encouragement - a proper back handed compliment at the fielding.
Her name was Marisol Hernandez, whose father owned a bric-a-brac shop on the street's square, and occasionally someone's off-hand compliment would include the hope that they one day see her on television winning a Grammy.
5. Back-Handed Compliment Wow, they take things seriously in Iran.
I then wonder to myself, "What was the cause of her words?" Then I realize, she misses me when I am away and is giving me a left handed compliment!
The gray-haired woman raises her hand and compliments His Honor for his Sept. 11 bravery.
Men offered her whatever they had on hand — food, compliments, invitations, promises.
On one hand, he complimented the judge and lawyers at the Zimmerman trial for being professional and noted that reasonable doubt was a factor.
Jordan was shooting 2 for 9 against Martin when he slapped Martin's hand and complimented him with seven minutes left in the fourth quarter.
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