What the British mean

What the British say: “I hear what you say”
What the British mean: “I disagree and do not want to discuss it any further”

What the British say: “With the greatest respect”
What the British mean: “I think you are wrong”

What the British say: “Correct me if I’m wrong”
What the British mean: “I know I’m right—please don’t contradict me”

What the British say: “QUITE good” (with the stress on the “quite”)
What the British mean: “A bit disappointing”

What the British say: “quite GOOD” (with the stress on the “good “)
What the British mean: “excellent”

What the British say: “Oh, by the way/Incidentally …”
What the British mean: “The primary purpose of our discussion is…”

What the British say: “Very interesting”
What the British mean: “I don’t agree/I don’t believe you”

What the British say: “I’ll bear it in mind “
What the British mean: “I will do nothing about it”

What the British say: “That is an original point of view”
What the British mean: “You must be mad, or very silly”

What the British say: “I’m sure you’ll get there eventually”
What the British mean: “You don’t stand a chance in hell”

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