dare I say it

FORMAL
This page is about the conversational phrase dare I say it

Meaning

You can say this just before saying something that your listeners may not like, or may find challenging or controversial.

For example

  • The problem started when Ian's interviewer said, "Your latest novel is, dare I say it, not very original."

  • In his speech, Nelson said, "Those who are doing the most harm to our world are, dare I say it, powerful businessmen like you."

Quick Quiz

You can use "dare I say it" if what you're going to say might

a. endanger your listeners

b. interest your listeners

c. upset your listeners
a) endanger your listeners b) interest your listeners c) upset your listeners

Contributor: Matt Errey