Present company excepted
phrase
A polite phrase meaning everyone here is not included in a general statement that could be seen as negative.
Most people don't care about the subtleties, present company excepted.
Often appears as...
- i don't trust anyone
- present company excepted
Usage tips
Formal
Idiomatic
phrase
A polite phrase meaning everyone here is not included in a general statement that could be seen as negative.
Most people don't care about the subtleties, present company excepted.
Often appears as...
- i don't trust anyone
- present company excepted
Usage tips
Formal
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Polite Exception
It's a courteous way to show that a negative statement doesn't apply to the people present.
People often jump to conclusions, present company excepted.
Pro Tip 2/3Conversational Softener
Used to soften the impact of a statement that might offend the listeners.
Managers can be quite demanding, present company excepted.
Pro Tip 3/3Exclude Listeners
When you want to say something general but don’t want it to apply to your listeners.
Celebrities are so out of touch, present company excepted.
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