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Mince Words

To softly use words so no one is offended, not to be completely honest

Etymology:

  • This idiom was first used in late 16th by William Shakespeare in some of his plays. It is still unclear about the exact origin as it might have been used before Shakespeare. In original terms, the word “mince” means to carefully or softly choose words. But with the time the term is now used to indicate that the person is not completely honest.
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One should never mince words with his parents as they are always well-wishers.

Submitted on February 25, 2019

Additional definitions for 'Mince Words':

mince wordsTo restrain oneself in a conversation by withholding some comments or using euphemisms.
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Blatt vor den Mund

picadillo de palabras

từ nhỏ

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    "Mince Words." Phrases.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 21 Nov. 2024. <https://www.phrases.com/phrase/mince-words_44859>.

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