backhanded compliment
idiomPart ofcompliment
backhanded compliment — idiom
1. a remark that appears to praise someone but actually contains a hidden criticism
1.idiom
Definition
a remark that appears to praise someone but actually contains a hidden criticism or insult.
Example
"You look great for your age" is a backhanded compliment — it praises while suggesting surprise that you still look good.
Saying her work was 'neat for a beginner' felt like a backhanded compliment to Cyrus.