Who said damn with faint praise

It was difficult to describe—a little sterner, a little wilder, a faint emphasis of the barbaric peering through it. Nations shall declare his wisdom, and the church shall shew forth his praise. Man's enthusiasm in praise of a fellow mortal, is soon damped by the original sin of his nature—rebellious pride!

Compliment so feebly that it amounts to no compliment at all, or even implies condemnation. For example, The reviewer damned the singer with faint praise, admiring her dress but not mentioning her voice.

This idea was already expressed in Roman times by Favorinus c. New Word List Word List. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping usto understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

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More Idioms. Privacy Overview. Strictly Necessary Cookies Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. Enable or Disable Cookies. However, the praise is misdirected or unenthusiastic, suggesting that relevant, enthusiastic praise would be undeserved.

Some common forms of faint praise might include calling an opponent's position "well intentioned," "a fine ideal," or "based on legitimate concerns. For example, his famous analogy of the watch at the beginning of the work was not his invention. And he probably took too much for granted. But he showed very considerable skill and ability in his arrangement of his matter and in the development of his argument.

And it is, in my opinion, an exaggeration to suggest, as is sometimes done, that his line of thought is worthless.