Faint praise is disparagement.
Meaning: Subtle compliments delivered without genuine enthusiasm become insults through their very coolness.
Origin: Recorded in A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases, an undated collection published in London by Whittaker & Co. around 1880 and credited to Thomas Preston. Its earlier history hasn't been traced.
More proverbs about Human Nature
- Every man hath his faults. — Human imperfection is universal; judging others requires acknowledging your own flaws fir…
- A fool is fulsome. — Excessive praise reveals foolishness, as the wise speak measured words.
- Every man has his hobby-horse. — Everyone pursues their own passionate interests regardless of how peculiar others might f…
- Hot love is soon cold. — Passionate affection that ignites rapidly tends to fade equally fast, lacking enduring fo…
- Every man has his humour. — Individual differences in temperament and preference are natural; tolerating varied dispo…
- Jack-in-office is a great man. — Petty officials wielding minor authority often overestimate their importance and competen…
From our idioms
- Se réduire comme une peau de chagrin — To dwindle away steadily until nothing is left.
- Appuyer sur le champignon — To accelerate hard; to floor it.
- Devoir une fière chandelle à quelqu'un — To owe someone a considerable debt of gratitude.