with all due respect

Idioms

Although I think highly of you, as in With all due respect, you haven't really answered my question, or With all due respect, that account doesn't fit the facts. This phrase always precedes a polite disagreement with what a person has said or brings up a controversial point. [c. 1800]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This Valentine’s Day, with all due respect to Elvis Presley and Etta James, consider dedicating an unorthodox song of your own to your beloved.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 13, 2026

But, and I ask this with all due respect, is it too late to give this sequel a more clever title?

From Salon • Jan. 4, 2026

But with all due respect to John McGlynn's side, the true test was against Danny Rohl's somewhat rejuvenated Rangers.

From BBC • Nov. 2, 2025

“I understand international, dangerous people, and with all due respect to Mr. Rundo, he was a knucklehead who was misguided,” Carney said on Tuesday.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2024

“I do think, sir, with all due respect, that my father, Dr. Wong, the Supreme Marveller Judge, would want me happy.”

From "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023