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pardon my French

idiom
Meaning

To excuse the speaker's frankness of expression or profanity.


Origin

disputed origin

From the use of French to mean “vulgar language”, ostensibly because the words used are not in English.

Examples
SIMPLE

Pardon my French, but this situation is a total mess.

CONTEXTUAL

Pardon my French, but that was a damn stupid mistake to make in front of the boss.

COMPLEX

Pardon my French, but the sheer incompetence displayed during the negotiations was, quite frankly, infuriating to everyone involved.

Anchors to
Related idioms4entries
  1. 01

    French fact

    The presence of French Canada as a distinct cultural, linguistic, and political force within the Canadian Confederation.

  2. 02

    French leave

    A departure taken quietly and unnoticed, without asking for permission or informing anyone.

  3. 03

    pardon me

    Sorry; said as an apology.

  4. 04

    take French leave

    To leave quietly and unnoticed, without asking for permission or informing anyone; to slip out.

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