Speak/think ill of somebody
phrase
To say or believe bad things about someone.
He often speaks ill of his colleagues when they're not around.
Often appears as...
- don't speak ill of him
- never speak ill of her
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
To criticize someone unfairly.
It's not right to think ill of her just because she made a mistake.
Often appears as...
- try not to think ill of him
- people think ill of her
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
To say or believe bad things about someone.
He often speaks ill of his colleagues when they're not around.
Often appears as...
- don't speak ill of him
- never speak ill of her
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
To criticize someone unfairly.
It's not right to think ill of her just because she made a mistake.
Often appears as...
- try not to think ill of him
- people think ill of her
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
The phrase often implies malice or intent to harm someone's reputation.
After the argument, she began to speak ill of her friend to others.
Pro Tip 2/3Confidential Context
It's commonly used in private conversations, not in the person's presence.
Be wary, as some might speak ill of you once you're not there to defend yourself.
Pro Tip 3/3Informal Tone
The phrase is casual and might be considered rude in formal situations.
In the meeting, he spoke ill of our boss and shocked everyone.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
The phrase often implies malice or intent to harm someone's reputation.
After the argument, she began to speak ill of her friend to others.
Pro Tip 2/3Confidential Context
It's commonly used in private conversations, not in the person's presence.
Be wary, as some might speak ill of you once you're not there to defend yourself.
Pro Tip 3/3Informal Tone
The phrase is casual and might be considered rude in formal situations.
In the meeting, he spoke ill of our boss and shocked everyone.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
The phrase often implies malice or intent to harm someone's reputation.
After the argument, she began to speak ill of her friend to others.
Pro Tip 2/3Confidential Context
It's commonly used in private conversations, not in the person's presence.
Be wary, as some might speak ill of you once you're not there to defend yourself.
Pro Tip 3/3Informal Tone
The phrase is casual and might be considered rude in formal situations.
In the meeting, he spoke ill of our boss and shocked everyone.
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