BACKHANDED


Meaning of BACKHANDED in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ bækhændɪd, AM -hændɪd ]

also back-handed

1.

A backhanded compliment is a remark which seems to be an insult but could also be understood as a compliment. A backhanded compliment is also a remark which seems to be a compliment but could also be understood as an insult.

Saying she’s improved comes over as a backhanded compliment.

ADJ : ADJ n

2.

If you say that someone is doing something in a backhanded way, they are doing it indirectly.

In a backhanded way, I think a lot of my energy and strength comes from my campaigning.

ADJ : ADJ n [ disapproval ]

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's English Dictionary.      Английский словарь Коллинз COBUILD для изучающих язык на продвинутом уровне.