With the best will in the world
Formal Polite
What it really means
A polite preface meaning "however hard we try, this is impossible", or a signal that criticism is coming. Whatever follows is usually a firm no dressed as regret.
Chinese explanation
礼貌的开场，意思是"就算再努力也办不到"，或预示批评将至。后面的内容通常是包装成遗憾的坚定拒绝。
Example conversation
A: Can we finish the whole renovation by Friday?
B: With the best will in the world, that's not going to happen.
A：整个装修周五前能完工吗？
B：就算拼尽全力，也实在赶不出来。
All Politeness Decoder
Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team
· Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake