Be remiss to say it
Hello.
I find it hard to understand "remiss" in this sentence:
"I'm almost remiss to say it, but your food lacks salt."
Does it mean "inconsiderate" or "afraid"?
Thank you.
Top answer
This sounds like a mistake to me. It sounds like the person was trying to embellish "I'm almost afraid to say" or "I hesitate to say" but instead bungled the expression in a way that it became either nonsensical or intentionally sardonic. Or they might have confused it with "don't take it amiss" (don't take it the wrong way).
- This sounds like a mistake to me.
- It sounds like the person was trying to embellish "I'm almost afraid to say" or "I hesitate to say" but instead bungled the expression in a way that it became either nonsensical or intentionally sardonic.
- Or they might have confused it with "don't take it amiss" (don't take it the wrong way).
- As I'm sure you're aware, "remiss" means negligent or careless.
- "
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This sounds like a mistake to me. It sounds like the person was trying to embellish "I'm almost afraid to say" or "I hesitate to say" but instead bungled the expression in a way that it became either nonsensical or intentionally sardonic. Or they might have confused it with "don't take it amiss" (don't take it the wrong way).
As I'm sure you're aware, "remiss" means negligent or careles
0chalk hat 862I'm almost remiss to say it, but your food lacks salt.
This doesn't work. 'remiss' would be used more like this:
I would be remiss not to mention what a wonderful meal you have made for us.
remiss ~ negligent; failing to fulfill my duty
CJ
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