# left-handed compliment

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/left-handed-compliment
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A complimentary remark which is ambiguous or ineptly worded, so that it may be interpreted as having an unflattering or dismissive sense.

## Examples

- That was a left-handed compliment about my new haircut.
- She told me I looked great for my age, but it felt like a left-handed compliment.
- His remark about her sudden promotion was clearly a left-handed compliment, implying she only succeeded because of her connections.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.