speak ill of
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.
Don’t speak ill of the dead, goes the time-honored phrase.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 9, 2025
Bending disclosure rules is, to his mind, perpetually justified by the desire to shield his good name from any scoundrels who would dare speak ill of him.
From Slate • May 8, 2023
I think it has to do with our fear of death and relationship with death, the reason why we can't speak ill of the dead.
From Salon • Aug. 21, 2022
“Nobody would speak ill of Arthur. Arthur’s a nice guy.”
From New York Times • Jul. 9, 2022
I couldn’t believe it when Reginald began to speak ill of Elijah Muhammad.
From "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Malcolm X;Hailey
