With the greatest respect
Formal Depends on context
What it really means
Even stronger than "with respect". Many British listeners hear this as "I think you are completely wrong", wrapped in very polite packaging. Genuine respect is rarely the main message.
Chinese explanation
比 with respect 更强烈。很多英国人听到这句话的理解是"我认为你完全错了"，只是包了一层非常客气的外衣。真正表达敬意的情况很少。
Example conversation
A: My plan will definitely work.
B: With the greatest respect, have you actually read the budget?
A：我的方案肯定行得通。
B：恕我万分直言，你真的看过预算了吗？
All Politeness Decoder
Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team
· Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake