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I was greatly amused by this excerpt from the Charlemagne column of The Economist this week.
… when a Briton says I hear what you say
, the foreign listener may understand: He accepts my point of view.
In fact, the British speaker means: I disagree and I do not wish to discuss it any further.
Similarly the phrase with the greatest respect
when used by an Englishman is recognisable to a compatriot as an icy put-down, correctly translated as meaning I think you are wrong, or a fool.
… when a Briton says by the way / incidentally
, he is usually understood by foreigners as meaning this is not very important
, whereas in fact he means, the primary purpose of our discussion is…
On the other hand, the phrase I'll bear that in mind
means I'll do nothing about it
; while Correct me if I'm wrong
means I'm right, please don't contradict me.
