Present company excepted

usgb
phrase

A polite phrase meaning everyone here is not included in a general statement that could be seen as negative.

Most people don't care about the subtleties, present company excepted.
Visual representation of "present company excepted" - A polite phrase meaning everyone here is not included in a general statement that could be seen as negative

Often appears as...

  • i don't trust anyone
  • present company excepted

Usage tips

Formal

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "present company excepted"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Polite Exception

It's a courteous way to show that a negative statement doesn't apply to the people present.

Illustration for Polite Exception
People often jump to conclusions, present company excepted.
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Conversational Softener

Used to soften the impact of a statement that might offend the listeners.

Illustration for Conversational Softener
Managers can be quite demanding, present company excepted.
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Exclude Listeners

When you want to say something general but don’t want it to apply to your listeners.

Illustration for Exclude Listeners
Celebrities are so out of touch, present company excepted.
Visual representation of the word "Present company excepted"

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