present company excepted: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘present company excepted’ mean?
"Present company excepted" is an idiom used to acknowledge that the statement being made does not apply to the people currently present in the conversation.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "see you next Tuesday" is a euphemistic phrase commonly used to discreetly refer to someone as a derogatory term. It is a playful way of indirectly expressing frustration or annoyance towards someone without using explicit language.
The idiom "see you later" is an informal way of saying goodbye or farewell to someone with the intention to meet again in the near future.
The idiom "say that" is used to express surprise or disbelief when someone makes a statement that is unexpected or hard to believe.
The idiom "part company" means to separate or go in different directions, often due to a disagreement or conflict. It can also refer to the end of a relationship or partnership.
The idiom "pardon me" is frequently used as a polite way to apologize or to request someone's attention or forgiveness.
The idiom "parade passed someone by" means that someone has missed out on an opportunity or event, usually because they were not paying attention or were not involved. It suggests that the person has been left behind or is out of touch with what is happening around them.
The idiom "out of the picture" means to be excluded or no longer involved in a situation or plan.
The idiom "out of the ordinary" means something or someone that is not usual or typical. It refers to a deviation from what is considered normal or expected.
The idiom "out of place" means something or someone not in the correct or suitable position, situation, or context.
The idiom "out of frame" means that something or someone is not included or considered in a particular situation or context. It suggests that the subject is not within the scope or boundaries of what is being discussed or depicted.
Mysterious Exclusion of "Present Company Excepted"
Present company excepted is an English idiom that is commonly used to exclude the person or people present from a statement that is being made. It is used to acknowledge that the statement being made may not apply to the current group of individuals under discussion. The idiom is often used in social settings, where one person wants to make a general statement or observation but does not want to offend or include the people currently present in that statement.
The origin of the phrase can be traced back to at least the 19th century. It is believed to have derived from the phrase "All concerned but one." The idiom is closely related to the concept of excluding people from a statement or generalization, which dates back even further in the English language. The use of this idiom reflects a social etiquette of tact and politeness.
The meaning of *present company excepted* is clear and straightforward. It is used to indicate that the speaker is making a general statement or observation, but that the people currently present are excluded from that statement. The idiom serves as a way to avoid offending or including the individuals in the statement being made.
An example of the idiom being used in a sentence is: "I have to say, I find this movie pretty boring overall. Present company excepted, of course." In this example, the speaker is expressing their opinion about a movie, but acknowledges that the people currently present may have a different opinion or may enjoy the movie.
other than *present company excepted*, there are several other idioms in the English language that serve a similar purpose. One such phrase is "other than," which is used to emphasize that something or someone is different or separate from the topic at hand. For example, "The party was a disaster, other than the delicious food." In this sentence, the speaker is highlighting that the food was excellent despite the overall negative experience.
"be that as it may" is another related idiom that expresses acknowledgement or acceptance of a particular fact or situation, while still maintaining a different overall perspective or opinion. It is used to introduce a contrasting point or perspective. For instance, "She may be difficult to work with, but be that as it may, she is incredibly talented." In this example, the speaker recognizes the individual's challenging nature, but emphasizes their talent regardless.
on the other hand, the idiom "on the other hand" is used to introduce an alternative viewpoint or contrasting opinion. It is often used when discussing two different options or perspectives. For instance, "I understand why you would want to go out tonight, but on the other hand, we have an early morning tomorrow." In this sentence, the speaker is presenting a different perspective by pointing out the potential consequences of going out.
Finally, "none other than" is an idiom used to emphasize the identity of someone or establish their status. It is often used to indicate surprise or excitement about a well-known or respected individual. For example, "When I walked into the restaurant, I saw none other than Beyoncé sitting at a table." In this sentence, the speaker is expressing their astonishment at seeing such a famous person.
Overall, *present company excepted* is an idiom that is commonly used in English to exclude the people currently present from a statement or generalization. It reflects a social etiquette of tact and politeness, allowing individuals to express their opinions or observations while being considerate of the feelings of those around them. The idiom has a long history and continues to be a useful phrase in everyday conversation.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "present company excepted" can be used in a sentence:
- "You know, I find most lawyers to be quite untrustworthy, present company excepted of course."
- "Politicians are often dishonest, present company excepted."
- "I usually don't like horror movies, but I have to admit this one was enjoyable, present company excepted."
More "Exceptions" idioms
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