Example: He delivered a backhanded compliment by insulting her on the strength of her perfume. (Example.)
Origin: As a synonym for left-handed and the left side of the body considered sinister. (Source.)
Rewrites:
- a knuckle-backed compliment
- back handed kudos
- aced an insult
- a flutter-eyed compliment
- a slight served to your weak side
- a slap delivered with a left-handed wink
Discussion: (1) Here,
“weak side” and “back hand” can apply to either left-handedness or
right-handedness. (2) Also used as "back handed comment."
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