Don't take this the wrong way, but…
Informal Depends on context
What it really means
A warning that criticism is coming, and there may be no comfortable way to take it. Prepare for a personal comment delivered politely.
Chinese explanation
预告批评来了，而且这话可能怎么听都不太舒服。做好心理准备，接下来是包着糖衣的个人意见。
Example conversation
A: Don't take this the wrong way, but you look exhausted.
B: That's because I am.
A：你别多心啊，不过你看起来累坏了。
B：因为我确实累坏了。
All Politeness Decoder
Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team
· Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake