no offense

Idioms  

1. Please don't feel insulted, I don't mean to offend you, as in No offense, but I think you're mistaken. This expression, first recorded in 1829, generally accompanies a statement that could be regarded as insulting but is not meant to be, as in the example.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

no offense

But no offense was intended with the Washington costume, Collins explained, noting that he was just there to “honor the King as our special guest.”

From Slate ● Apr. 28, 2026

"I get my news source from him, not from -- no offense -- but not from you or anyone else," White told AFP reporters at his official residence in Brussels.

From Barron's ● Apr. 21, 2026

No blue blood wants to fake excitement about schlepping to the Pop-Tart Bowl, no offense to those sentient Pop-Tarts.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 27, 2025

Despite Kidman’s soaring performance, I hated “Eyes Wide Shut” – mostly because of Tom Cruise – no offense, Stanley Kubrick.

From Salon ● Feb. 1, 2025

"I hope I have not spoken out of turn, my lady. I meant no offense."

From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin