damn with faint praise
To provide praise that is minimal or inconsequential, implying that such praise is the best that could be said.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“He damned the project with faint praise by calling it interesting.”
“The critic damned the new film with faint praise, noting only that the costumes were colorful.”
“By describing the candidate's speech as merely adequate, the senator effectively damned him with faint praise in front of the entire assembly.”
From a poem by Alexander Pope.
- 01
damn right
Expresses enthusiastic support or opposition, agreement or disagreement, certainty or emphasis.
- 02
damn straight
Without doubt, certainly, for sure.
- 03
damn the torpedoes
Used to dismiss the risks of a dangerous action.
- 04
give a damn
To be concerned about, have an interest in, to care (about something).
- 05
praise to the skies
To praise or laud (someone or something) excessively.
- 06
praise with faint damns
To provide minimal critique, implying that the criticism is the worst that could be said of someone or something.
- 07
sing the praises of
to commend (someone or something’s) attributes to others
Last updated August 10, 2026