left-handed compliment
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The quarterback showed his grit — decidedly not a left-handed compliment.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 9, 2025
It may be a left-handed compliment to say that “Berlin, I Love You” features no real duds even if some entries are disappointing.
From Salon • Feb. 8, 2019
Melissa, take all this as a left-handed compliment: You were too good for them, you and a slew of sharp, professional people that they also got rid of.
From New York Times • Feb. 26, 2016
The perfect fit on a couple of levels is Wilson, who grew up 12 miles from Angels Stadium and is the quality left-handed compliment to the three right-handers.
From Newsweek • Dec. 8, 2011
Further, Penzance is a good place to get away from—which sounds like a left-handed compliment, but has really quite other meaning; it is a fine centre for the whole far west of Cornwall.
From The Cornwall Coast by Salmon, Arthur L. (Arthur Leslie)
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
