backhanded compliment
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The high-stakes romantic comedy “Oh, Hi!” is a backhanded compliment to lotharios like Rudolph Valentino, James Bond and “The Wolf of Wall Street’s” Jordan Belfort.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 24, 2025
In past seasons, that description might have landed as a backhanded compliment — a “nice try” in the wake of some form-breaking comedy’s ascension as a critical darling.
From Salon ● Feb. 6, 2025
We all know what their backhanded compliment is coded to mean!
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 9, 2023
He said he respected Mr. Johnson’s intelligence and — perhaps a backhanded compliment to a former journalist — his “creativity.”
From New York Times ● Mar. 4, 2023
He offers a kind of backhanded compliment: There’s a “snob factor” at Truman’s neighboring high schools that does not exist here.
From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove
